In this interview with REHACARE.com, tourism consultant Julia Marmulla gives insight into her work and describes her observations of the industry.
Ms. Marmulla, what experience have you had so far in the field of "accessible travel"?
Julia Marmulla: During my studies of political science, I already devoted myself to the topics of inclusion, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the ratification of which was highly topical at the time, and accessibility in developing countries. In my professional career in tourism, I have completed many different stages and have repeatedly had contact with the topic of accessible travel.
My experience is that almost everyone who works in tourism is confronted with questions about accessibility and participation.
Before I started my own business, I had the office of the association "Tourismus für Alle Deutschland e.V." (English: "Tourism for all Germany") (NatKo). The association was supported by various associations for the disabled, but in the meantime it has dissolved. NatKo pursued the goal – in dialogue with the tourism industry and policy – of strengthening accessibility in general tourism. One of the main focuses was the certification system "Travel for All", in the development of which NatKo played a major role.
Since I have been self-employed, I have been advising tourism professionals (destinations, hotels, museums, tour operators) and publish a travel magazine called ".Meine Reisewelt – einzigartig – komfortabel – barrierefrei" (English: .My travel world – unique – comfortable ≈ accessible)
What goals do you pursue with your professional advice and the travel magazine?
Marmulla: In consulting, the objectives depend on the tasks of the client (e.g. hotels or destination management organizations). The tasks are very different. Among other things, the aim is to identify the potential of destinations in the area of accessible tourism and to formulate recommendations on how this potential can be exploited. This results in more local accessibility – which benefits both travellers and tourism companies.
With the travel magazine I am pursuing the very clear goal of offering wheelchair users, visually impaired and blind people in particular a combination of travel inspiration and useful information on local accessibility. Most articles provide information on two aspects: On the one hand – similar to every other travel magazine – the destination is portrayed and on the other hand the status of accessibility is described and further information is linked. For some people, who live perhaps only recently with a disability, the magazine is to serve also as an inspiration, by showing, what and how – in the perhaps still unusual situation in life – can be experienced.