Shopping on line can be easy, simple and save you lots of money. It can also take a lot of your time, frustrate you, and result in unwanted purchases. Now the same can be said for regular high street shopping, but with the vast opportunity presented by the Internet it will pay you to spend a few minutes reading this and understanding how to better optimize your Disabled Tourism shopping experience:
1. Compare - without doubt the biggest advantage that the Disabled Tourism offers shoppers today is the ability to compare thousands of Disabled Tourism at a time. This is a great thing, but not necessarily all the time! Too much can be daunting at times so take advantage of the great comparison sites and where possible let them do the hard work for you.
2. Research - if it has been said it will be on the internet. Ignorance is no longer a justifiable reason for buying the wrong thing. Take the time to research in detail everything that you could possible want to know about
3. Testimonials - don't know anybody that has bought a Disabled Tourism? Wrong! If the Disabled Tourism is good the internet will let you know. Use the Internet as a friend and get testimonials before you buy.
4. Questions - Got a question about Disabled Tourism then search the Forums, FAQ's, Blogs etc. Don't be afraid to ask .....
5. Reputation - Never heard of the company selling Disabled Tourism? Don't worry, no reason why you should know every company in the world, but you know someone that does! Use the internet to find out what people are saying about Disabled Tourism and build up a picture of their reputation for sales, returns, customer service, delivery etc.
6. Returns - still worried that even after all of the above your Disabled Tourism wont be what you want? Check out the returns policy. There is so much competition now that someone, somewhere is bound to offer the terms that you are comfortable with.
7. Feedback - happy with your Disabled Tourism then let people know, after all you are depending on others people input in your buying decision, so why not give a little back.
8. Security - check for the yellow padlock on the Disabled Tourism site before you buy, and the s after http:/ /i.e. https:// = a secure site
9. Contact - got a question about Disabled Tourism, or want to leave a comment then check out the sites contact page. Reputable companies have them and respond.
10. Payment - ready to pay for your Disabled Tourism, then use your credit card or PayPal! Be aware of companies that don't accept them, there may be genuine reasons but given the huge amount of choice you have when buying online there is no reason at all not to buy via credit card or PayPal.
In 2003 this niche represented more than 50 million disabled persons in
Europe, and more than 600 million around the world. Apart from people with disabilities, seniors and those with temporary incapacities (broken leg, etc) are also part of the market dynamic. The market represents a huge opportunity with new investment opportunities and new service requirements, usually not provided by the regular travel agencies.Usual problems found by the disabled tourist when booking a holiday:
- Accessible airport transfer
- Wheelchair accessible vehicles
- Well adapted hotel rooms
- Professional staff capable of informing and advising about accessibility issues
- Reliable information about a specific attraction's accessibility (church, castle, exhibition, etc.)
- Adapted toilets in restaurants and public places
- Accessible restaurants, bars, etc
- Inaccessible streets (cars parking in the stepwalk, etc)
- Lack of disability equipment rental (wheelchairs, bath chairs, toilet raisers, electric scooters)
Brief History
Europe and United States of America share the majority of the existing companies in this niche. However, around the world many companies start to appear as the result of a growing need, pushed also by the senior tourism - a tendency verified in all developed countries due to a growing life expectancy age.Countries like Portugal, Spain, UK, Germany, France and north European countries are prepared to receive tourists in wheelchairs, as well as providing disability equipment and wheelchair accessible transport.
References and Links
- European Network for Accessible Tourism
- OSSATE: One-Stop-Shop for Accessible Tourism in Europe
- Tourism for All UK - the centre of expertise on accessible tourism UK governmental site
- Province Invests $1.14 Million in Accessible Tourism (Government of British Columbia)
- Accessible tourism establishments in Manchester Manchester City Council
- Second International Conference on Accessible Tourism in Bangkok, Thailand in November 2007 in collaboration with UNESCAP
- Setting a Research Agenda for Accessible Tourism in Australia
External links
- Accessible tourism at the Open Directory Project
In 2003 this niche represented more than 50 million disabled persons in
Europe, and more than 600 million around the world. Apart from people with disabilities, seniors and those with temporary incapacities (broken leg, etc) are also part of the market dynamic. The market represents a huge opportunity with new investment opportunities and new service requirements, usually not provided by the regular travel agencies.Usual problems found by the disabled tourist when booking a holiday:
- Accessible airport transfer
- Wheelchair accessible vehicles
- Well adapted hotel rooms
- Professional staff capable of informing and advising about accessibility issues
- Reliable information about a specific attraction's accessibility (church, castle, exhibition, etc.)
- Adapted toilets in restaurants and public places
- Accessible restaurants, bars, etc
- Inaccessible streets (cars parking in the stepwalk, etc)
- Lack of disability equipment rental (wheelchairs, bath chairs, toilet raisers, electric scooters)
Brief History
Europe and United States of America share the majority of the existing companies in this niche. However, around the world many companies start to appear as the result of a growing need, pushed also by the senior tourism - a tendency verified in all developed countries due to a growing life expectancy age.Countries like Portugal, Spain, UK, Germany, France and north European countries are prepared to receive tourists in wheelchairs, as well as providing disability equipment and wheelchair accessible transport.
References and Links
- European Network for Accessible Tourism
- OSSATE: One-Stop-Shop for Accessible Tourism in Europe
- Tourism for All UK - the centre of expertise on accessible tourism UK governmental site
- Province Invests $1.14 Million in Accessible Tourism (Government of British Columbia)
- Accessible tourism establishments in Manchester Manchester City Council
- Second International Conference on Accessible Tourism in Bangkok, Thailand in November 2007 in collaboration with UNESCAP
- Setting a Research Agenda for Accessible Tourism in Australia
External links