GP tourism helps with wheelchair access

The first of these GTA endorsed ramps was revealed at the Masakeng restaurant in Mofolo, Soweto.

The move to install a ramp for those who have difficulty in walking, wheelchair users and parents with prams allows the Masakeng restaurant to be compliant with industry standards.

This is in line with the hospitality sector's aims to accommodate people with mobility impairments.

"It was becoming apparent to us at the Gauteng Tourism Authority that we need to take steps to ensure that everyone enjoys the same rights to experience the range of tourism products on offer,” said the GTA Chief Operations Officer, Pule Malefane.

“Partnering with the Masakeng project, the GTA sought to progressively lead the sector by bridging the gap felt by many differently-abled guests and entrepreneurs in terms of the lack of business linkages to the tourism and the hospitality industry."

The GTA made this contribution with an aim to encourage other stakeholders to offer much needed support to establishments of this nature and, similar initiatives throughout the Gauteng province.

"We, at the GTA believe that this latest development is especially significant in that it encapsulates the changing face of a sector that until recently has been the preserve of mainly well established, big business,” said Malefane.

“As we approach 2010, it is incumbent upon public and private sector establishments to foster partnerships that not only grow the sector but entrench in it the culture of ubuntu, of providing and caring for all people despite our differences.”

According to the GTA, South Africa was the first country in the world to nationally adopt a tourism policy premised on the principle of "sustainability" and "responsibility".

This puts an obligation on communities to be able to host visitors, provide for their needs and benefit directly from doing so.

Article published courtesy of BuaNews