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With Queensland marking 2023 as the Year of Accessible Tourism, people of all abilities will be able to research their Tropical North Queensland holiday more comfortably with the addition of an accessibility widget on the Cairns and Great Barrier Reef destination website.  

Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Mark Olsen said accessibility was about helping all people to travel starting with the dreaming phase of researching a holiday, through to booking and finally accessing the tours and accommodation of their choice.

Olsen notes “after launching an Accessibility Hub on the destination website late last year, Tourism Tropical North Queensland has added an accessibility widget to help people choose a user-friendly mode for their individual needs.

“The many viewing options include an ADHD-friendly mode which reduces distractions and different visual impairment modes to adjust the website’s display.  

“One of our region’s iconic experiences, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, has also introduced an accessibility widget to help customers to better navigate their website and we anticipate many more of our operators will be doing the same.”

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway General Manager Richard Berman-Hardman said Skyrail had prioritised making the world’s best rainforest experience universally accessible since its inception and the addition of the artificial intelligence accessibility widget was another step forward.

“This month we have become the region’s first tourism attraction, alongside Cairns Airport, to join the Hidden Disability Sunflower initiative,” he said.

“Guests with hidden disabilities can wear the sunflower lanyard or wristband to discreetly signal to staff that they may require assistance during their visit. 

“Being accessible and inclusive is part of our DNA here in the Tropical North, and we encourage operators and attractions state-wide to create experiences we can all be proud of.  

“We also urge everyone to follow the progressive lead taken by Tourism Events Queensland, the Queensland Tourism Industry Council, Tourism Tropical North Queensland and others to help make the Year of Accessible Tourism one of meaningful action.”

Tourism Tropical North Queensland has also added the accessibility widget to the corporate website and the Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef website.

The Tropical North Queensland Accessibility Hub is at tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au/plan-your-trip/accessible-travel/

Image: Skyrail Rainforest Cableway prides itself on being an inclusive and easily accessible experience for people of all ages and abilities. Their staff assist with any specific needs including: Slowing and stopping the cableway to allow for easy, stress-free access onto and off the gondolas; Offering assistance with the loading of wheelchairs onto and off the gondolas; organising alternative transport for guests in wheelchairs.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

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