MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF ASIA PACIFIC DISABILITY FORUM (APDF)
WORKING COMMITTEE ON ACCESSIBLE TOURISM (WCAT) HELD ON
OCTOBER 31, 2008 AT 12:00NOON AT THE MEETING ROOM OF AGORAGARDEN, TAIPEI
Present (In Alphabetic Order):Mr. Robert, Lin
Chair
Distinguished
Guest
Committee
MemberMr. Patrick Ying-Pin,
Yeh
Mr. Allen Kam-Yuen,
Chan

Committee
MemberMr. Shirinashihama,HiroyukiCommittee
MemberCommittee
MemberMr. Jacky Chao-Fu, Hsu

Committee
MemberCommittee
MemberMrs. Ann Kam-Fung, Lo

Committee
MemberMs. Saowalak.
Thongkuay

Mr. Puay Tiak (PT), LimMr. Rex Chi Keung, Luk

Director General, International Affairs,
Eden Social Welfare Foundation, Taiwan
Chair, International Affairs Committee,
Eden Social Welfare Foundation, Taiwan
Vice-Chairperson, Board of Directors,
Hong Kong Federation of HandicappedYouth, Hong Kong
Associate Professor, Dept. of Tourism
and Hospitality Management (SocialWelfare)Matsumoto University, JapanFounder and General Manager, Accessfor All in Taiwan Association, Taiwan
Honorary Treasurer, APDF, Singapore

Accompany person of Mr. Allen
Kam-Yuen, Chan, Hong Kong
Director, Hong Kong Society forRehabilitation
Hong Kong
Regional Development Officer, DPI/AP,Thailand

Observer1. Mr. Takao Imaura, Representative, Accessible –Research Network Office
2. Student Volunteers of Matsumoto University（Dept. of Tourism and HospitalityManagement）- Mr. Watanabe Yosuke- Mr. Otsuka Akira- Ms. Shimosato Tomoyo- Ms. Fujiwara Ayaka
1Secretariat
International Affairs Center, Eden Social Welfare Foundation- Ms. Emma Lee, Executive Secretary- Ms. Eileen Lu, Secretary- Ms. Lotus Chen
- Ms. Stella Hsu
1.
1.1

Introduction
Mr. Robert Lin introduced himself to the Committee, and welcomed all ofmembers to the APDF WCAT Meeting. Robert specially welcomed the newcommittee member, Mr. Rex Chi Keung, Luk from Hong Kong. All committeemembers then introduced themselves to the meeting (Saowalak, PT, Jacky, Hiro,Rex, Allen, Ann, Takao).

1.2

Robert then explained that the Committee meeting would be a luncheon meeting,and due to time constraints, he suggested starting the meeting with Activity
Reports.

2.

Activity Reports

(a)
2.1

Singapore
PT Lim gave a PowerPoint presentation and distributed publicity brochures tointroduce the International Conference on Accessible Tourism (ICAT) 2009 which
will be held in Singapore from April 22nd to 24th, 2009. During the same period,
another important conference i-CREATE focusing on the assistive technology
aspect of Accessible Tourism will also take place in Singapore. PT added that theorganizing committees of both conferences have been discussing on how best tosynergize and cooperate to benefit more participants.

2.2

PT added that ICAT 2009 would target a wide range of participants including
service providers, service users, advocates, policy makers, etc. with the aim ofpromoting accessible tourism (AT) in the Asia Pacific region. He urged allpresent to assist in publicizing ICAT 2009 as well as actively participating in theConference. He suggested that each country send a group of travelers withdisabilities to attend ICAT 2009. Discounted group rates, including customized
itineraries would be offered. Please see attached files for more information.

(b)

Japan
2

2.3

Mr. Shirinashihama, Hiroyuki gave an introduction on the latest AT development
in Japan. Hiro was concerned that the participation of people with disabilities in
AT is poor.
However, Tokyo has already created its proper tourism
administration this year and it is expected to achieve an increase in theparticipation of people with disabilities in AT from 30% to 70%. He cited
Takayama City as a successful barrier-free model. This was only achieved withthe full support of the city government; highlighting the importance ofgovernmental involvement in promoting AT.
Hiro emphasized that theestablishment of barrier-free built environment should be considered as thedevelopment of community environment. He also accentuated the importance ofcultivating AT professionals right away, and Japan has already been putting
efforts in its development.

2.4

In conclusion, Hiro suggested that the WCAT, as a priority, should also consider
the development of AT professionals.

2.5

The observer Mr. Takao Imaura, a graduated student of Hiro then made apresentation on the accessible environment and related activities in Japan.
Please see the attached file for more information.

(c)
2.6

Thailand
Ms. Saowalak. Thongkuay started with a quick update on ICAT 2007 which took
place in Thailand in September 2007. She then introduced the progress of AT
implementation in Thailand especially in Bangkok Metropolitan Authority(BMA); efforts made by DPI/AP to advocate AT; promoting the AT plan byUNESCAP; and sharing on barrier-free environment in the middle-Asia region
and Australia during recent mission trips made by DPI/AP. Please see theattached file for more information.

2.7

In conclusion, Saowalak strongly urged the development of an Asia-PacificAccessible Guideline with APDF leading this development. According toSaowalak, while DPI/AP focuses mainly on advocacy, APDF should devote topromoting AT.

(d)
2.8

Hong Kong
Mr. Allen Kam-Yuen, Chan reported on the barrier-free environment of Hong
Kong and its recent development. The people in need of AT represented a large
group in the world, and accessible transportation is always a key issue. In Hong
3Kong, ground transportation from the airport is equipped with accessible features.
The Rehab bus, a dedicated transport system for PWDs is provided in Hong Kong.
Now various tourist attraction sites, hotels and entertaining places are accessible
in Hong Kong, such as the Ocean Park and Disneyland. Allen noted thatbarrier-free environment in Hong Kong has greatly improved.
2.9

Mr Rex Chi Keung, Luk started by introducing the Easy Access Travel 2008, andsuggested that every Asia-Pacific country should get together to help to reduce
the expensive cost of accessible transportation, which increased the cost oftraveling and realization of AT more difficult. He also agreed with Saowalakthat the production of an Accessible Guidelines is a must. At the same time, hereminded that we should also pay much attention to the safety of the tourists.

2.10

Rex also introduced the Transed 2010 which will be held in Hong Kong, andinformed that they will be working with the government, legislative counselorsand monitors them in enhancing the accessibility of cities. Rex then suggested
the setting up of networks among member countries/cities regarding accessible
transport and travel information. He accentuated that AT travel service must startup immediately. Please see the attached file for more information.

(e)
2.11

TaiwanMr. Jacky Chao-Fu, Hsu firstly expressed his happiness in knowing that Taiwan
is not alone in the road of promoting AT. Then he started with making an
introduction on the association that he founded “Access for All in Taiwan” andthe difficulties of developing barrier-free environment in Taiwan. According toJacky, Taiwan’s government focuses mostly on the accessibility of publicbuildings and engineering matters, rarely on the leisure life of people withdisabilities (PWD).
Therefore, there was not much support from thegovernment in this sector.

2.12

Nevertheless, Taiwan’s NGOs put much effort in improving the leisure life for
PWDs, for example, Eden Social Welfare Foundation and Access for All inTaiwan. Jacky also shared the experience of advocating AT and barrier-free
concept through internet. For example, Access for All in Taiwan website started
an activity of reporting inaccessible places all around Taiwan, and as a result,over 70% inaccessible places were modified; also an accessible map made by hisassociation has been putted on the commercial area of Google, he then suggested
that WCAT members should make an accessible Google map together in the4future.
2.13

3.

In conclusion, Jacky further introduced the recreational activities for PWDs
organized by his association, which is an excellent idea of cooperating with
non-DPO organizations and a new opportunity for both DPOs and non-DPOs.

Conclusion
The meeting was adjourned at 3:00pm due to a prior appointment to attend the media
activity on the ITF Taipei at World Trade Centre.
The meeting would continue the next day on 1 Nov 08 at 9:30am.

MINUTES OF THE ADJOURNED MEETING OF ASIA PACIFIC DISABILITYFORUM (APDF) WORKING COMMITTEE ON ACCESSIBLE TOURISM(WCAT) HELD ON NOVEMBER 1ST, 2008 AT 10:30AM AT THE MEETINGROOM OF AGORA GARDEN, TAIPEI
Present (In Alphabetic Order):Mr. Allen Kam-Yuen, Chan
Mr. Jacob Chun-Liang, Chen
Mr. Shirinashihama, Hiroyuki

Mr. Jacky Chao-Fu, Hsu
Mr. Puay Tiak (PT), LimMr. Robert, LinMrs. Ann Kam-Fung, LoMr. Rex Chi Keung, Luk
Ms. Saowalak. Thongkuay
Mr. Patrick Ying-Pin, Yeh

Vice-Chairperson, Board of Directors, Hong Kong
Federation of Handicapped Youth, Hong Kong
Advisor, International Development Division, Eden
Social Welfare Foundation, Taiwan
Associate Professor, Dept. of Tourism and Hospitality
Management (Social Welfare)Matsumoto University, JapanFounder and General Manager, Access for All in
Taiwan Association, Taiwan
Honorary Treasurer, APDF, Singapore
Director General, International Affairs, Eden Social
Welfare Foundation, TaiwanAccompany person of Mr. Allen Kam-Yuen, Chan,Hong Kong
Director, Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation
Hong Kong
Regional Development Officer, DPI/AP, Thailand
Chair, International Affairs Committee, Eden Social
Welfare Foundation, Taiwan

Observer:5Ms. Aiko Akiyama
Mr. Takao Imaura
Secretariat:
Ms. Emma Lee
Ms. Eileen Lu
Ms. Lotus Chen
Ms. Stella Hsu
Ms. Naomi Chen

4.
4.1

WCAT Secretariat Report, Emma Lee
Ms. Emma Lee first apologized for the limitation of time which prevents her frompresenting a complete report on 2006-2008 Action Plans. However, it could befound in the meeting handbook.

4.2

Consequently, Emma began directly with a report of 2008-2010 Action Plans andwelcomed everyone to participate in the following events:•••

3rd ICAT in Singapore in 2009
International Seminar on Accessible Tourism in Takayama City, Japan.
The 4th APDF General Assembly and Conference in Hu-Chi-Ming City,Vietnam, 20105.
(a)Discussion
2008-2010 Action Plan of WCAT

•Accessible Guidebook with DVD and website for the AP region was putted into
2008-2010 Action Plan.

5.1

According to PT, Singapore is already making a video called “OutboundSingapore” in a marketing perspective to introduce Asia countries. Aikosuggested that the information should be shared and the message should be gaveout to both people with and without disabilities; also more people should be
invited from business sectors to participate in PWD related activities. Saowalak
added that consultation of people without disabilities will be needed, such asaccompany person of PWDs, the opinion of people from tourist sectors is also
important. Rex suggested that action should be taken at the same time. WithPWDs traveling around, the tour operator will then face the actual scenario. Also,6the airlines should be rated and let everyone know this is a business case.
(b)

The participation of WCAT in 2009 international activities•ICAT 09/22-25 April 2009/Singapore

5.2

PT informed that the venue of ICAT 2009 will be close to YWCA Fort Canningin Singapore. i-CREATE will also be held at the same time. He welcomed
everyone to participate in the event.

•The International Seminar on Accessible Tourism in Takayama City byUNESCAP, mid November 2009, JapanMs. Aiko Akiyama introduced the International Seminar on Accessible Tourismin Takayama City 2009 to the committee members. Its main theme will be
Accessible Asia and Pacific for all. According to Aiko, an executive committee
will be formed and a meeting will be held in Japan next year. WCAT
committee members will be invited to the meeting.
Transportation,connectivity of different places, communication, and information will all be
discussed during the seminar.

5.3

5.4

Aiko stressed that discussion between UNESCAP and WCAT (APDF) on theconference program should start now. As AT video making is suggested, contents
will be Takayama City which will be taken as a model for introduction. The
video will be made in the beginning of 2009 and it can be showed during ICAT.
UNESCAP welcomes everyone’s suggestions. Aiko accentuated that thisseminar should invite people from various sectors including business sector, likeairlines, travel agency, etc.

•5.5

The Accessible Tour Exchange
Aiko supported the idea of accessible tour exchange, and suggested thecooperation can be made between universities in the Asia-Pacific region. She
offered the UNESCAP building as a possible venue for volunteers training. To
motivate the students, such volunteer work could be credited and a network
should be created.

5.6

Rex suggested that a special package be formulated. He added that apart from AT,
UNESCAP can also develop various programs and give certifications. Hiroemphasized the idea of inclusive community. He said that volunteer work
should be based on community development, not only providing services for7

PWDs, but also for non-PWDs, like children and elderly. The goal is tostimulate people to go out and enjoy life with the help of volunteers.
5.7

WCAT Secretariat reported that according to the action plan, cooperation withNCCV in Vietnam will be made. Other tour exchanges with countries in AP
region can also being planned. The university student volunteer service
exchange can be one of the models.

6.
6.1

Any Other Matters
Rex shared the information of Transed 2010 in Hong Kong which will be held in
the end of May or early June, and suggested that everyone can learn informationof accessible transportation from its website. Rex also explained that Transed2010 will also include AT apart from just Transport. He welcomed everyone toparticipate.

6.2WCAT Secretariat, Emma responded that APDF has a Working Committee on
Accessibility and Universal Design (WCAUD). The information of Transed2010 will be passed to the chairperson of WCAUD, Ms. Judy Wee for a bigger
mobilization of support. WCAT will also work closely with WCAUD.

7.

There being no other matters, the meeting ended at 1:00pm.

8