Accessible Tourism: ¿Why not in Nicaragua?
Based on the natural resources wealth of Nicaragua, tourism enjoys a most important place in the country’s economic possibilities. Hotels, restaurants and recreation centers grow daily as industry; but how many of them are designed with a concept of tourist accessibility to all people, with or without disabilities?
Accessibility to tourism, educational and cultural locations are not a luxury; but a right to people with disabilities as stated in Act 202. This Act determines that all establishments must eliminate access barriers; therefore, now is the time to provide accessible tourism to all.
“My name is Carlos Mejía Kornfeld, and I am your tourism guide. During today’s program..”, this is how I generally start every excursion I have done in the five years I have been doing it. Now I want to share my experience with excursions for people with disabilities with you.
We depart from Avenida Bolívar towards Managua’s new downtown. We have Huellas de Acahualinca, National Government buildings and other tourism attractions in mind.
We start in the Old Cathedral; but how am I going to show it to a tourist with disabilities? There is no ramp so I can assist him towards the main entrance. Anyway, we can always find a Good Samaritan to help me deal with the situation. And if it is not so?
Einiges hat sich geändert seit dieser Artikel im Jahre 2000 geschrieben wurde. Doch noch ist zu wenig gemacht worden und ich hoffe bald haben unsere Regierungen mehr Bewusstsein. Trotzdem besuchen uns immer Gäste mit bestimmten Wünschen, wie zum Beispiel Herr Gerhard Teschner (siehe Bild), der Blind ist und mit unseren Guide, Douglas Otero, Costa Rica und Nicaragua besucht.