Are Singapore’s Attractions Sufficient to Cater to Disabled Tourists

Accessible tourism enables people with access requirements, including mobility, vision, hearing and cognitive dimensions of access, to function independently and with equity and dignity through the delivery of universally designed tourism products, services and environments. This definition is inclusive of all people including those travelling with children in prams, people with disabilities and seniors (Darcy & Dickson, 2009, p. 34). Many countries, such as Japan and those in Europe have already started to cater to these groups of people by renovating the country’s popular attractions and transportation system, etc., into easily accessible areas. As the number of physically disabled persons in the world is increasing continuously, it poses as a great target market and is very beneficial to countries economically. Singapore has also started to do its part to cater to the handicapped and this research is conducted to see if Singapore is doing enough for this market. In this paper, the term “Attractions” refer to popular sights in Singapore such as Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS), Sentosa and Museums such as those under the National Heritage Board (NHB). The “Special needs” discussed in this paper would be of those physically and sensory disabled persons. “Sufficient” in this case would mean that Singapore’s attractions should be able to cater to all forms of disabilities, and not only physical ones.

Through the years, Singapore has been constantly developing and is now a choice destination for tourists. According to Trip Advisor’s “2013 Traveler’s Choice Awards Top 25 Destinations in Asia”, Singapore ranked at the 8th position, with an increase in 5 placings from the previous year. Our country has been striving to create a more accessible destination for all tourists and as mentioned above, Singapore is doing its part to cater to the disabled.

Accessible Attractions in Singapore

Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS)

One of the many attractions in Singapore which...