KOCHI: The State Tourism Department has accepted in principle the proposal of the Kochi-based Prathyasha Foundation which works for the welfare of the differently-abled, to have a disabled-friendly tourism policy. Accordingly the department has entrusted the technical wing of the National Service Scheme (NSS) to conduct a feasibility study under the supervision of the foundation.
The survey, as part of the feasibility study, began at the Fort Kochi beach on Thursday under the guidance of Prathyasha Foundation chairman Mr Simon George who himself is disabled. The NSS technical cell is led by co-ordinator Abdul Jabbar Ahammed and technical consultant Nizam Rehman. The feasibility study will be submitted to Tourism Director Mr U.V. Jose within one month.
The proposal also moots promoting products made by the differently-abled in tourism circuits. “Such a policy will enable the disabled to sell their paintings, handicrafts, toys, readymade garments and ornamental articles in tourist spots and stage art events for tourists. This will be a source of income for them,” says Mr Simon George.
“The discerning foreign tourists will certainly support such a policy. Moreover, the policy can lay thrust on helping out differently abled tourists and the elderly, who can be attracted on a large scale from abroad. Differently-abled friendly cars, buses, boats, houseboats and even helicopters can be put in place for such tourists,” said Mr Simon George.
