Quito, Ecuador | Parque Itchimbía Joins Inclusive Tourism with Training

Parque Itchimbía, a forested park sitting high on a hill above the old town of the capital of Ecuador, Quito joins inclusive tourism with training.

The park took an important step towards inclusive tourism with an awareness day aimed at its staff, organized by the Ministry of Tourism and FENEDIF, the National Federation of Ecuadorians with Physical Disabilities.

This iniatitive sought to strengthen the attention to visitors with disabilities and reduced mobility, in line with the principles of accessibility and respect.

Parque Itchimbía, located at a strategic point overlooking the historic centre of Quito, is a stunning green lung in the Ecuatiorian city boasting hiking trails, running and cycle tracks, a playground for children with an ornate, 19th century glasshouse full of rare trees and orchids which serve as an exhibition centre, conference room and museum and is known as Centro Cultural Itchimbía already has infrastructure adapted for people with physical disabilities such as wide walkways and accessible rest areas.

Thanks to these advances, the site has been formally integrated into the tourist circuit of the Historic Centre of Quito, standing out as a friendly space for all visitors.

The staff, received information on appropriate care practices, use of positive language, empathy and respect, elements that are key to offering a dignified and inclusive tourism experience, especially for those who face physical or social barriers in their day - to day lives.

One of the most relevant moments was the practical part, where demonstrations were made how to correctly assist people with disabilities.

This dynamic allowed the participants to experience real situations and understand more clearly the needs of this group of tourists.

The main objective of the initiative is to transform attitudes and break down prejudices that often become the biggest barriers within tourism. 

The Ministry of Tourism of Ecuador reaffirmed its commitment to generate a more empathetic, aware and accessible industry for all citizens.

The National Federation of Ecuadorians with Physical Disabilities highlighted this type of training, which not only informs, but also has a positive impact on the institutional culture and one of the phrases shared by representatives of the federation was "Tourism can not be exclusive. Inclusion must be a reality in each destination".

All these actions are part of a broader policy that seeks to promote an accessible Ecuador. To this end, it is essential to have trained personnel willing to provide respectful care, free of stigmas or false beliefs about disability.

Raising awareness also helps the country's tourist destinations prepare to welcome a diverse audience, thus improving their competitiveness and long-term sustainability.

Places like Parque Itchimbía demonstrate that inclusion is not only possible, but also adds value and quality to tourism.

The Park is now positioned as a model and pioneer within the city of Quito and in the country, showing that inclusion begins with small changes and a genuine will to improve the experience of all visitors, without exception.

This effort will not be the last in Ecuador, according to the organizing entities, new training will be extended to other tourist spaces in the country, in order to consolidate a truly accessible and egalitarian tourism throughout the nation.

Link 
https://infoturlatam.com/ecuador-itchimbia-se-suma-al-turismo-inclusivo-con-capacitaciones/