With a growing emphasis on catering for the needs of people with disabilities, South Africa is increasingly opening its arms to a previously untapped market of explorers. 

However, the country has yet to reach the full potential of this lucrative market.

Tarryn Tomlinson, founder of LiveABLE Access Consultants and Able2Travel, sheds light on the size and value of the accessible tourism market, what South Africa has to offer as an accessible tourism destination, and the challenges travellers with disabilities face.

Market size and value

Worldwide, more than one billion people, roughly 15% of the global population, live with disabilities.

In South Africa, with a population of around 60 million people, statistics from the 2019 General Household Survey by Statistics South Africa revealed that approximately 7.5% of the population, equating to around 4.5 million people, reported having a disability. 

“The potential market for accessible travel experiences is significant and the country is primed to tap into this niche segment,” said Tomlinson.

According to recent studies, the global spending power of people with disabilities is estimated to be around US$8 trillion annually.

Furthermore, research conducted by the World Travel and Tourism Council reports that accessible tourism's direct contribution to South Africa's GDP was estimated at R77.9 billion (€4bn) in 2019.

Opportunities

Tomlinson highlights the following opportunities for people with disabilities to explore South Africa:

• Accessible accommodations: South Africa has made considerable progress in offering accessible accommodation. Many hotels and lodges provide accessible rooms with features such as wheelchair-friendly pathways, roll-in showers and assistive devices upon request.
• Inclusive restaurants: Many restaurants have embraced accessibility by providing accessible seating, clear signage and staff trained in accommodating guests with disabilities.
• Tourism activities: South Africa offers a range of immersive and accessible activities for all to enjoy, from wheelchair-accessible nature trails and sightseeing tours to adaptive sports and adventure activities.
• Wildlife experiences: The country's rich biodiversity and wildlife conservation efforts are accessible to all. Game reserves and national parks have implemented inclusive measures, including wheelchair-accessible game drives and facilities so that visitors can witness the wonders of African wildlife up close.

Challenges

Despite the promising developments, there are still challenges that need to be addressed to fully unlock the potential of accessible travel in South Africa.

“One of the major hurdles is the lack of awareness and understanding within the travel industry. Many businesses are yet to grasp the market potential and the value of creating accessible environments,” added Tomlinson.

Additionally, travellers with disabilities face various obstacles, including:

• Inadequate infrastructure: Insufficient accessibility infrastructure, such as inaccessible transportation options and poorly designed public spaces, poses significant challenges for travellers with disabilities.
• Lack of information: Limited accessibility information regarding accommodations, attractions and transportation options hinders travellers' ability to plan and make informed choices.
• Attitudinal barriers: Negative attitudes and misconceptions about disabilities often result in limited services and a lack of awareness among staff in the hospitality and tourism sectors.

Additionally, in a recent Tourism Update poll, the majority (41%) of readers said they were ‘unsure’ whether access for people with disabilities had improved over the last year. A big section (35%) said access had not improved, whereas only 24% said it had improved.

This is an indication that industry is relatively unaware of the accessible tourism offerings available in the country, which means more needs to be done to get industry involved to promote its accessible offerings.

"We believe that travel is a fundamental human right and that it should be accessible to everyone. South Africa's diverse landscapes and cultural heritage provide a wealth of accessible travel opportunities and, by raising awareness and collaborating with the travel industry, we can create a more inclusive and accessible world," said Tomlinson.