An online database of historical and cultural places that have disability access will be launched in two weeks, according to the head of Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization.
“The database will provide detailed information on accessibility of sites of attraction across Iran for those with physical disabilities,” ISNA quoted Zahra Ahmadipour as saying.
According to the State Welfare Organization, about 2% (1.5 million) of the Iranian population, including 400,000 in rural areas, are living with moderate to severe disabilities. Statistics show 8% of Iran’s population comprises seniors, and 40,000 disabled are added every year.
Catering to disabled tourists is not recognized as a profitable business in many parts of the world, including Iran, although it could significantly contribute to the expansion of tourism industry.
Lodging facilities are not the only establishments in Iran that lack proper infrastructure for catering to the needs of the handicapped. A large number of cafes and public amenities are not disability-friendly.
According to the World Health Organization, 10% of the world’s population suffers from physical disability.
About 127.5 million travelers worldwide rely on accessibility while 89.3 million have the financial means to travel abroad for leisure. The size of the tourism market for the disabled is estimated at $180 billion.
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