Tokyo is named as one of the best destinations for disabled travelers

A recent report by the Valuable 500, an organization launched at the 2019 World Economic Forum says that “truly inclusive businesses can build truly inclusive societies” claiming to be the largest community of global CEOs committed to disability inclusion.

Research was carried out asking 3,500 disabled travelers from the UK, USA, Australia, China and Japan. From this survey, the 10 most inclusive destinations stood out as models for others to learn from.

Tokyo earned recognition as one of the 10 most accessible tourist destinations in the world, along with Amsterdam, Las Vegas and Paris, among others.

Train stations in Tokyo and many parts of Japan feature yellow tactile stripes that extend and branch along the floor to guide visually impaired passengers. The bathrooms have wide doors and low handrails for people in wheelchairs.

The staff at the train stations are trained in case a user with a disability requires help to get on the train. With a notice of about 10 to 15 minutes in advance to be able to prepare the ascent and descent of the user, the staff proceeds perfectly organized.

And not only in train stations, but also in the streets, with yellow tactile strips and small ramps to go up or down the sidewalks.

The traffic lights have sounds to inform the blind when they can pass and when the time to pass is about to end.

One thing that is very important for companies to remember is that travelers with disabilities rarely travel alone, but rather with their carers, friends or family. So it’s not just the 1.3 billion people around the world who live with disabilities, but also the people they travel with.

Having said this, the cities of the world should also take into account the disabled as potential customers and encourage their stay and visit and have a nice experience.