Toronto Encourages Accessible Tourism

Toronto's CN Tower
Photo by Charles Pannell

Over the past five years, the city of Toronto has worked hard to promote accessible tourism. Today, city leaders and tourism professionals continue to work side-by-side and jointly support many access related projects such as the Toronto With Ease access guide, the Senior Friendly program and Tourism Toronto's reservation hotline. Together these programs help increase access awareness and bring Toronto one step closer to becoming the most accessible city in the world.

Now in its seventh edition, Toronto With Ease is published annually by Tourism Toronto. This handy resource contains detailed access information about hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions and transportation in Toronto. A list of local disability resources is also included. Toronto With Ease is available free from Tourism Toronto at (800) 363-1990.

In another effort to increase access, the Toronto Seniors Council introduced a new Senior Friendly program in 2001. This program combines sensitivity training, site inspections and educational strategies. One of the goals of the program is to encourage local businesses to offer accessible locations with barrier-free entrances. Innovative programs like this will ultimately serve to increase awareness and accessible tourism.

Last but not least, Tourism Toronto now operates a toll-free hotel reservation hotline. Toronto-bound visitors who need help finding a accessible hotel room can now just pick up the phone and call (800) 794-2209. The Tourism Toronto travel counselors are well educated in access issue and can help callers find a room that fits their specific access needs. They can find an appropriate property, answer questions and make hotel reservations. They can also help with theater tickets and museum passes. It's a great resource for planning an accessible Toronto getaway.

For general tourism information about Toronto visit www.torontotourism.com. And make sure to check out the Summer 2003 issue of Emerging Horizons for access details and tourism suggestions on lodging, transportation, and tourist attractions in multicultural Toronto.