In the second week of March, Sara Minkara, the U.S. State Department’s Special Advisor on International Disability Rights, graced Nepal with her presence. Hosted by the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu, her visit was planned to ensure maximum engagement and impact. Among the highlights was an eye opening roundtable discussion on inclusive tourism, bringing together key local stakeholders and representatives from Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs). This discussion, facilitated by the American Citizen Services team, marked a significant step forward in positioning Nepal as a beacon of inclusive tourism.
Remarkably, this event coincided with the tenth anniversary of visit by the late Dr. Scott Rains from the USA, whose influence was instrumental in establishing accessible and inclusive tourism initiatives in Nepal.
The U.S. Embassy’s commitment to fostering inclusive tourism in Nepal is not new. In 2016, the then U.S. Ambassador to Nepal welcomed a group of ‘Wounded Heroes Trekkers’ from the USA, showcasing a special adventure project led by five amputees who conquered the heights of Poon Hill in the Annapurna region. This event, part of the UNWTO World Tourism Day celebrations, highlighted the embassy’s dedication to promoting inclusive tourism endeavors in the region.
While Nepal has long been celebrated as a destination for adventure enthusiasts and allocentric travelers, its allure extends far beyond adrenaline-pumping activities. Visitors with disabilities have found Nepal to be not only breathtaking in its natural beauty and unparalleled hospitality but also remarkably welcoming, breaking barriers and championing inclusive tourism.
The inauguration of Nepal’s first accessible trail near Pokhara valley in March 2018 marked a significant milestone. Since then, the country has continued its progress, designating March 30th as National Accessible Tourism Day. Last year, a Wheel Trek path was unveiled near Kathmandu valley, further solidifying Nepal’s commitment to accessibility initiatives.
On March 30th, 2024, The Nanee hotel in Bhaktapur became the epicenter for the celebration of National Accessible Tourism Day. Over 40 attendees immersed themselves in discussions, interactive panels, and a heritage walk through the UNESCO heritage site of Bhaktapur. Organized by a coalition of influential institutions, including Nepali Tourism Board, the International Development Institute (IDI), the Spinal Injury Rehabilitation Center (SIRC), and Four Season Travel, the event was a resounding success in advocating for accessible tourism for persons with disabilities. Notably, Nepali Sign Language interpretation (SLI) and captioning were provided, ensuring inclusivity.
Following the heritage walk, a distinguished panel highlighted the fundamental principle that every individual deserves equal opportunities to partake in leisure activities and explore new destinations. Key takeaways emphasized the necessity of collaboration between stakeholders to implement accessible tourism practices, the role of technology in enhancing accessibility, and the economic benefits of catering to diverse travelers. Moreover, a strategy was outlined to position accessible tourism not as a niche market but as the mainstream.
National Accessible Tourism Day 2024 served not only as a celebration but also as a call to action, urging all sectors of the tourism industry to prioritize inclusivity and accessibility in their endeavors. Nepal’s leadership in South Asia as an inclusive tourism destination continues to inspire. The visits by pioneers like Dr. Scott Rains and Sara Minkara have injected much-needed energy and momentum into the responsible mantra of “Tourism for All,” transforming it from a distant dream into an achievable reality.
