The Useful 500, a business coalition, released its list of the highest 10 most accessible cities on the planet.
The report cited a survey conducted amongst 3,500 individuals with disabilities, who rated cities based on “transport links, proximity of accommodation to attractions, shops, and restaurants, and the provision of knowledge about accessibility.”
The survey was conducted in August and September, and involved participants from five countries — the U.K., United States, Japan, China and Australia.
“Our research shows that across each the private and non-private sectors within the travel and tourism industry, these cities consistently rating well within the accessibility rankings,” said Caroline Casey, the founding father of the Useful 500.
“Nevertheless … accessibility arrangements for individuals with disabilities remain an afterthought for the travel and tourism industry — which is why we’re looking into every aspect of the industry journey for individuals with disabilities within the research we have now commissioned.”
Martin Heng, a travel author who wrote the report, added: “Although physical accessibility is vital, what’s so significant is that across all territories individuals with disability select travel providers based on being treated with respect and understanding of their needs.”
Asia
Singapore (Singapore)
Singapore’s aging population is “the foremost impetus” for its accessibility, said the report.
The town-state’s accessibility code includes mandates like ensuring the protection and accessibility of escalators and elevators, and the supply of accessible toilets at the doorway level of all buildings, it added.
Over 95% of pedestrian walkways, taxi stands and bus shelters in Singapore are also accessible to wheelchair users, seniors or other individuals with disabilities.
Shanghai (China)
As much of its development happened lately, modern Shanghai’s pavements are in “good condition, with loads of curb cuts,” said the report. Curb cuts are ramps connecting sidewalks to the road.
The town also has the most important metro network on the planet, which is fully accessible to wheelchair users. The survey found that 39% of respondents who selected Shanghai did so due to its accessible public transport.
The Pudong skyline in Shanghai.
xPACIFICA | The Image Bank | Getty Images
Tokyo (Japan)
While 74% of respondents selected Tokyo for its accessible transport, tactile ground surface indicators — which were invented in Japan — are also “ubiquitous” in town, said the report.
Such indicators help warn visually impaired pedestrians of hazards and aid navigation.
“The foremost streets are well-endowed with kerb cuts, and although smaller streets often don’t have any pavement so wheelchair users share the roads with cars, bicycles and other pedestrians, drivers are so much more considerate than in other countries,” it added.
United States
Las Vegas
The “sheer number” of accessible hotel rooms in Las Vegas makes town a stand-out alternative for travel.
“Some, just like the Bellagio, offer dozens of accessible rooms, some offer a whole lot – across all price brackets and room types, including Las Vegas’ famed themed rooms and suites,” Heng wrote.
Such rooms have features equivalent to ceiling hoists, visual and vibrating alarms.
The report found that casinos in Las Vegas even have trained personnel to help individuals with disabilities at gaming tables, and even place bets for many who need assistance.
Latest York
Latest York City scored highest in providing adequate information, which allows individuals with disabilities to “plan their trip and avoid disappointment.”
“The official guide to Latest York City has an accessibility page that hosts in-depth articles on different facets of accessibility in town, in addition to accessible guides to a few of its more outstanding tourist attractions,” Heng said.
“There’s also a searchable, filterable database of 1,500 points of interest – including tourist attractions, museums, galleries, hotels and restaurants – that offers basic accessibility information.”
Orlando
Orlando is well-known for being home to iconic theme parks equivalent to Walt Disney World, SeaWorld and Universal Studios Florida.
Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida.
Joe Raedle | Getty Images News | Getty Images
In line with the Useful 500 report, all theme parks in Orlando provide not only physical accommodations, but in addition measures to avoid queues.
Of those that chosen Orlando, 48% selected it for its wide selection of accessible accommodation, it added.
Europe
Amsterdam (Netherlands)
Amsterdam’s advantage over other cities is its network of 400 kilometers of motorcycle lanes, which wheelchair users can use for “a smooth ride” too, said the report.
“In one of the crucial bike-friendly cities on the planet, it’s even possible to rent adapted bikes – including ones that may incorporate a wheelchair,” it added.
Almost all the city’s tourist attractions are accessible too, except the Anne Frank House and Rembrandt House Museum.
Amsterdam is one of the crucial bike-friendly cities on the planet, with an intensive network of motorcycle lanes.
Lechatnoir | E+ | Getty Images
Paris (France)
Paris is the host for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which has given it “further impetus” to be more accessible, said the report.
“Within the lead as much as the 2024 Games, town is creating 15 accessible pilot districts around Olympic and Paralympic sites, enhancing access to public spaces, hotels, services, shops and so forth.”
Entry to lots of the city’s museums will not be only free to individuals with disabilities, they can jump queues as well, it added.
London (UK)
London has displayed a “strong commitment” to accessible tourism, said the Useful 500, ever since a 2018 study which showed that it contributes greater than $17 billion to the tourism industry.
“One among the foremost outcomes … has been the publication of a wealth of all-important information needed by disabled people to plan holidays and excursions,” it wrote.
Greater than half (57%) of survey respondents also selected London due to its accessible transport links.
Australia
Sydney
Like Latest York City, Sydney scores highly on its provision of knowledge about accessibility.
Home to the long-lasting Opera House and Harbour Bridge, “the overwhelming majority” of Sydney’s attractions are also wheelchair-accessible, said the Useful 500.
All latest and renovated buildings in town are also mandated by law to cater for wheelchair access.
