Kerala for All Conclave: Inclusive Growth in Key Sectors to Boost Hospitality, Says Sminu Jindal

India - Ekhbary News Agency

Kerala for All Conclave: Inclusive Growth in Key Sectors to Boost Hospitality, Says Sminu Jindal

Advocating for a paradigm shift in how accessibility is perceived, Sminu Jindal, founder of Svayam, India’s leading accessibility organization, asserted that enabling inclusive growth across critical sectors like tourism, sports, transport, and digital infrastructure holds the key to unlocking immense potential for the hospitality industry. Her remarks, delivered at the 'Kerala for All' conclave, underscored the dual benefit of increased participation and enhanced productivity within these vital sectors.

Addressing a session titled 'Accessibility is not charity, it’s India’s $1 trillion GDP booster,' jointly organized by Kerala Tourism and The Hindu, Jindal highlighted the significant economic implications of integrating accessibility into national development strategies. She pointed out that India's domestic tourism market is currently valued at a substantial $175 billion. However, a staggering 191.8 million people with reduced mobility are effectively excluded from fully participating in this market due to pervasive accessibility issues.

Jindal further elaborated on the economic rationale, noting that travelers with reduced mobility tend to spend 23.5% more per trip. Based on this insight, she estimated the realizable economic value from improving accessibility for this demographic to be around $16.6 billion. This figure alone illustrates the substantial financial incentive for businesses and policymakers to prioritize inclusive design and infrastructure.

The impact of accessibility extends far beyond tourism. In the sports sector, which has a current market size estimated at $17.23 billion and 130 million active participants, the potential for expansion is enormous. Jindal projected that providing full accessibility could increase participation by an additional 98.2 million individuals, bringing the total to 228 million participants. This surge in engagement could unlock an estimated economic value of $12.38 billion.

Similarly, the transport sector, vital for national connectivity and economic activity, faces significant challenges due to accessibility gaps. An estimated 201 million people are affected, with each severely impacted individual facing an annual loss of approximately ₹52,274 due to these barriers. This highlights the daily economic strain on a large segment of the population.

The digital realm is also a critical area where accessibility needs to be enhanced. Jindal noted that around 262 million people encounter digital accessibility challenges. She posited that achieving full digital accessibility could boost engagement by approximately 37%, demonstrating its potential to broaden market reach and foster greater inclusion in the digital economy.

During the conclave, held here on Sunday, Jindal drew attention to the experiences of foreign tourists, many of whom begin their travels after the age of 55. She referenced how popular culture often depicts the difficulties faced by international visitors with mobility issues when choosing Indian destinations. "It is our duty to make sure India shines because hospitality and culture are ingrained in our DNA," she stated, emphasizing the nation's inherent strengths.

Jindal also raised the important point that not all disabilities are visible. "There are so many amongst us who do not look disabled but have some kind of hidden disability. They need to be thought of when we look at our infrastructure," she urged, calling for a broader understanding of inclusivity.

Looking ahead, India's aspirations to host major international sporting events like the Olympics in 2036 and the Commonwealth Games in 2030 present a significant opportunity to attract global attention and tourism. Jindal cautioned that failing to prepare by ensuring accessible infrastructure and services could lead to substantial revenue losses. She specifically highlighted the need for effective communication of accessible features through Information and Communications Technology (ICT), such as accessible websites and booking platforms, which provide comprehensive details like 360-degree views of accessible bathrooms and rooms.

To illustrate the tangible benefits of accessibility, Jindal cited the example of Qutub Minar. After it was made accessible for all, including the disabled and the elderly, in 2008, its revenue surpassed that of the Red Fort and Humayun's Tomb combined. This historical monument's success serves as a powerful testament to the economic advantages of universal design.

Concluding her address, Jindal stressed the imperative of universal accessible design nationwide, including in Kerala, often referred to as 'God's Own Country.' "We’d like the God’s Own Country to be available just like God to each one of us," she remarked, encapsulating the vision of a truly inclusive India where everyone can experience its beauty and hospitality without barriers.

Ekhbary News Agency