Making Holidays available to all - Amanvana Coorg Resort

On Sep 27, the world celebrates World Tourism Day (WTD). Why is this important? Over the years, tourism has become a huge shaper of economies

and societies, bringing jobs and cultural pride to people around the world, irrespective of race, skin colour or class.

Ever since its inception, WTD is celebrated to foster awareness among the international community of the importance of tourism and its social,

economic and political value. The celebration seeks to highlight tourism’s potential to contribute to Sustainable Development Goals, addressing some

of the most pressing challenges society is faced with today.

In 2016, WTD’s theme is ‘Tourism for all.’ While we all agree that travel broadens minds by giving us new ideas and experiences, it is also a fact that

over 1 billion differently-abled around the world don’t get to enjoy new places like the rest of us. As travellers and holiday makers, it is our duty to

ensure everyone gets a chance to enjoy the same places that shape us.

What can travellers and resort owners do to make holiday spots enjoyable by everyone in a sustainable fashion?

If you’re a traveller, you can start by following some of these steps on all your future travels: • Don’t use / discard plastic bags. They are

not bio-degradable and affect the environment in ways that are unalterable and that will not be usable by future generations.

• Don’t poach. This not only disturbs the equilibrium of the environment but it is also unethical.

• Don’t waste. This is harmful to the environment. It also degrades the sanctity of beautiful places.

If you’re a resort owner, you can do your bit with the following: • Create wheel chair ramps at key places

around the resort so that persons in wheelchairs can freely and independently commute around your resort.

• Have grab bars in restrooms. • Have signs created in braille. • Provide crutches near swimming pools

and Jacuzzis. • Include physiotherapy in massage rooms

for those with weak joints.

Tourism has created many benefits for people around the world. It continues to pump money into markets, create livelihoods for people, broaden minds,

and foster understanding between cultures. But for every traveller who enjoys the world, there is someone somewhere who cannot do the same.

This Sep 27, make room in the world for everyone to have a good time. Let the benefits of travel trickle down to all, so that it continues to be an

intensive form of education for everyone.

ABOUT AMANVANA Amanvana is a luxury spa resort in Coorg. With private bungalows on the River Kaveri, a sunken spa, sumptuous cuisine and a wealth of flora and fauna, it’s a tranquil place that’s ideal for those who love quiet adventure.