TOURISM FOR ALL: AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH FORENHANCING WELL-BEING OF SPECIAL NEEDSCASE STUDY (ISLAMIC CAIRO –HISTORICAL CITY)

Authors

IMAN EL BASTAWISI Professor of Anthropology, Cairo UniversityFollow
GERMAINE AMER African World Heritage, UNESCO-Cairo UniversityFollow

Keywords

Accessibility; Accessible tourism; Tourism for All; Universal Design

Disciplines

Architecture | Business | Life Sciences | Medicine and Health Sciences

Abstract

Cities are being increasingly recognized and valued for their contributions to the quality of life of their citizens. Urban environments provide enormous variety of physical and cultural components. Due to social and demographic changes, there is an increase of people with disabilities all over the world. According to UNWTO, people with disabilities represent 2 billion persons or 15 % of the world population .Over the years, persons with disabilities has faced barriers to realizing their right to participate in life in general and in cultural life in particular due to inaccessibility of cultural programs, health problems, and lack of services. Persons with disabilities on average as a group are more likely to experience adverse socio economic outcomes such as poorer health less education and Lower level of employment. The researchers will highlight on how accessibility and accessible tourism can improve and enhance the quality of services, promoting social justice through ensuring healthy and safe life for disabled persons. At the same time from Human right perspective they have the right to live, enjoy and participate in all aspects of life. The research was conducted by using the anthropological qualitative approach; i.e. in-depth interviews and different types of observations. In conclusion, therefore the study advocates the right of Special needs to live and enjoy their lives; to enjoy visiting their cultural heritage sites in an accessible way; and to access museums, galleries, hotels easily..

Recommended Citation

BASTAWISI, IMAN EL Professor of Anthropology and AMER, GERMAINE African World Heritage (2018) "TOURISM FOR ALL: AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH FORENHANCING WELL-BEING OF SPECIAL NEEDSCASE STUDY (ISLAMIC CAIRO –HISTORICAL CITY)," BAU Journal - Health and Wellbeing: Vol. 1: Iss. 3, Article 19.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54729/2789-8288.1071