Morung Express News
Kohima | December 3
Delivering the keynote address during the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Diethono Nakhro, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) asserted that accessible and inclusive tourism is not just a social responsibility but ‘a smart business strategy.’
The International Day for Persons with Disabilities was commemorated in Kohima on Saturday under the global theme ‘Transformative Solutions for inclusive development: The role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world.’
As the day coincides with the ongoing Hornbill Festival in the state, Nakhro focused her speech on Accessible and Inclusive Tourism. “As we continue to push forward in making our state a top tourist destination, we cannot afford to keep ignoring the aspect of Accessible Tourism – which is all about making travel and tourism destinations, products, services, and information suitable for all those who have particular accessibility needs – and this does not only mean the disabled community, it includes the elderly and travellers with young children,” Nakhro stated.
She also added that making tourism accessible is not only a social responsibility, but it is also a compelling business case.
Highlighting the growing evidence that PwDs and their support ecosystem make up a significant proportion of the overall global tourism market, Nakhro hinted Nagaland’s missed business opportunity because it failed to address the need to make tourism responsible, accessible, and inclusive.
“Nagaland needs to wake up! Disability Inclusion is a smart business strategy!” remarked the State Commissioner.
Further advocating that disability inclusion is non-optional, Nakhro pointed out that any development goal cannot be achieved successfully when a huge chunk of the population is excluded. “Unless we factor in disability inclusion, there can never be any kind of meaningful development.”
Stating that ensuring an accessible and inclusive future is everyone’s responsibility and a shared investment, Nakhro underscored the need to join hands in breaking down barriers and creating an equal world with equal opportunities for all.
“For far too long, disabled people in Nagaland have faced exclusion, indifference, and isolation. This is not just unfair – it is wrong, and it needs to change,” concluded Nakhro.
