In South Africa, around 7,5% of the population have a disability, according to the 2019 General Household Survey by Statistics South Africa. This equates to around 4,5 million people. Worldwide, roughly 15% of the global population, about one billion people have a disability.
When disabled clients approach travel advisers to make travel arrangements and decide on itineraries and modes of travel, what questions should agents ask and what information should they seek from the traveller?
Travel News recently ran a poll asking readers whether they know the right questions to ask disabled travellers wanting to book a trip with their agency; 60% said yes and, perhaps a bit alarmingly, 40% said no.
Tarryn Tomlinson , Founder of LiveABLE Access Consultants and Able2Travel, told Travel News that the appetite for travel among disabled people in South Africa was growing steadily and that many preferred to use travel agents because it reduced the stress and uncertainty associated with planning an accessible trip.
Travel agents can offer specialised knowledge, personalised services, and the ability to co-ordinate multiple aspects of travel, ensuring all accessibility needs are met. When working with disabled travellers, travel agents should ask certain questions that ensure their clients needs are met with care and attention.
