Abstract of a paper to be presented at the Destinations for All World Summit 2014 in Montreal (D4All)
Conference site: http://www.destinationsforall2014.com/en/
D4All presentation by Scott Rains:
https://independent.academia.edu/ScottRains/Drafts
1. WeTravel2 - Travel without Limits.
We can travel too: safe, trendy and up-market travel package deals to exotic
destinations for permanently or temporarily disabled travellers
Kristof Steegmans, WeTravel2, Heist-op-den-Berg, Belgium (presenter); Elke Claes,
Heist-op-den-Berg, Belgium
When it comes to accessible travel, existing package deals mainly center on social
tourism. Hence, no up-market and/or all-round offer exists for travellers with physical
disabilities. Secondly, available information on accessible travel tends to be fragmented,
so there is a need for data centralization. Thirdly, the travel industry has little knowledge
on accessible travel for disabled travellers, so there is a need for sensitizing tourism
partners on the subject. A specialized travel offer, valuable data and knowledge sharing
on accessible travel: that’s where WeTravel2 comes in.
WeTravel2 is a new, trendy and upmarket travel agency based near Antwerp, Belgium.
WeTravel2 enables travellers with temporary or permanent disabilities to travel, without
challenges and restrictions, providing them all the extra needs required during their stay.
Adapted transport, assistance tools rental, availability of medical assistance and
accessible excursions, hotels, restaurants, attractions… are the keys to valuable travel
experiences for people with restricted physical possibilities. Guaranteeing clients a warm
welcome locally is always part of the package deal. WeTravel2 offers existing tours and
custom packages through authorized travel agencies. We currently offer accessible
package tours to Tenerife, Aruba, Curaçao and Kenya (beach and safari holidays).
We identify the accessible travel offer and local service and we evaluate their service
level. Moreover, we sensitize the potential audience for accessible travel through
lectures for associations, hospitals and businesses.
By providing a well-defined offer in accessible travel (a specific hotel selection on exotic,
exclusive destinations), WeTravel2 offers an up-market and trendy range of travel
possibilities to clients with physical disabilities. We see travel to be fun and (re)discovery
without restrictions for everyone. As an accessible travel agency and a consultant, we
strive to become the Belgian (European) reference for accessible travel. The joy of travel
is within reach for everyone: we can travel too!