1. Lorin MacDonald International Accessibility Summit July 13, 2014 ©L. MacDonald, 2014

3.  Introduction  People with Disabilities and Baby Boomers  Tourism in Canada and Inclusive Tourism  The Demographic and Economic Impact  The Opportunity  The Parapan Am Games  Benefits of Inclusive Tourism

4.  We cannot ignore the impact of increasing numbers of people with disabilities and baby boomers  The value of their spending power to the Canadian economy via inclusive tourism is a tremendous opportunity  The Parapan Am Games in Toronto next summer will be an excellent showcase for the benefits of inclusive tourism

5.  3.8 million Canadians live with a disability; approximately 2 million are Ontarians  56.7 million Americans have a disability  Today, over 60 million people in North America are living with a disability

6. 9.6 million Canadians 76.4 million Americans 86 million baby boomers in North America A rapidly growing number!

7. Canada’s mainstream tourism industry saw significant growth in 2011, contributing to the Canadian economy: $63.6 billion (domestic travellers) $15.1 billion (overseas travellers) $78.7 billion in tourism revenues

8.  The ongoing endeavour to ensure tourist destinations, products and services are accessible to all people, regardless of their physical limitations, disabilities, or age  The goal is to include everyone by accommodating the broadest range of tourists possible without stigma or the need for special accommodation

9. “American adults with disabilities or reduced mobility currently spend an average of $13.6 billion a year on travel. Creating accessible cruise ships, accessible ship terminals, accessible ground transportation, and accessible tourist destinations is not charity. It is just good business.” Dr. Scott Rains a U.S. expert on disability issues Food for Thought...

10.  Ontario government research states that 75 per cent of people with disabilities in Canada, the United States, and Europe are physically and financially able to travel  Our AODA legislation uniquely positions Ontario to benefit from this rapidly growing global demographic

11.  The inclusive tourism market will be greatly affected by the retirement of the baby boomer generation that began on January 1, 2011 and will continue for the next 20 years  For the first time, inclusive tourism is being regarded as an economic market driven by the retirement of this sector

12.  Between 2006 and 2016, the U.S. adult population will grow by 23 million - of that number, an astounding 22 million people will be over the age of 50!  Approximately 40 per cent of baby boomers in North America will be retiring with some form of a disability

13. 3.4 million Canadians with disabilities $25 billion a year 54 million Americans with disabilities $220 billion a year 57.4 million North Americans with disabilities $245 billion a year!!!

14.  By 2015 in the U.S., baby boomers will command 60 per cent of the wealth and 40 per cent of the spending power  In the travel sector, baby boomers will represent over 50 per cent of consumption

15.  By embracing the principles of Inclusive Tourism, the business community will be uniquely positioned to shift the paradigm away from compliance toward adopting a strong and robust economic argument  By delivering increased value, businesses will gain a competitive advantage within the mainstream travel industry

16.  The largest Parapan Am Games ever held will take place in Toronto from August 7-15, 2015  This will be the fifth edition of the Games and will feature 1,608 athletes from 28 countries competing in 15 sports

17.  The tourism industry is a key economic driver  An opportunity to champion industry-led initiatives that enable tourists to identify attractions, accommodations, events, and facilities that are accessible to all  Ontario will continue to work with tourism partners to develop accessible tourism initiatives

18.  Not just about legislative requirements or the right thing to do  More people will get to enjoy the opportunity to travel

19.  The tourism industry will get more visitors, longer seasons, and new incomes  Society as a whole benefits from new job opportunities, more tax revenue, and an accessible environment for local communities and visitors

20.  Increased tourism  New jobs  Increased tax revenue  More accessible communities Everybody wins!