Training activities entitled “Courtesy without Boundaries, Access without Barriers” were held yesterday, with the aim of enhancing the barrier-free service capabilities of the tourism industry and volunteers for the 15th National Games, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities, the 9th National Special Olympics and other sporting events, further promoting the establishment of an inclusive, barrier-free society, and simultaneously boosting the high-quality development of local tourism sector, according to a statement by the Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO).
The one-day training activities, held at MGM COTAI, featured detailed introductions to the “Indoor Barrier-Free Navigation System for the 15th National Games, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympics Venues” and provided targeted training on barrier-free reception techniques for people with diverse needs. Nearly 400 people attended.
Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes told reporters during the training activities that the barrier-free navigation system for the Games is planned to be expanded to other attractions such as museums and outdoor venues, supporting Macau’s development as a World Tourism and Leisure Centre and fostering the creation of an “inclusive city” to meet the travel needs of all tourists, including the elderly and individuals with special needs.
Senna Fernandes said in a speech that in preparation for the upcoming major sporting events, and following last month’s “Hearts Connected, Inclusivity Achieved” International Day of Sign Languages promotion and training event, this kind of training session was once again organised in conjunction with MGM, aiming to help tourism professionals and Games volunteers equip themselves for their respective tasks and prepare themselves thoroughly for their reception duties.
Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) President Hon Wai noted in a speech that his bureau will continuously organise training programmes to enhance understanding of people with disabilities, adding that the barrier-free service levels of the tourism industry and Games volunteers will be elevated through the training. Hon also said he hoped to set up an “inclusive and caring” tourism environment by jointly promoting Macau as a barrier-free travel destination in Asia.
According to the statement, the training was divided into two parts; the first part focused on the barrier-free navigation system for the Games’ concept, how it benefits various users, and sharing practical operational techniques; the second part, themed “Understanding and Assisting Persons with Disabilities”, included learning about the characteristics of different types of disabilities, modes of communication and assistance techniques, as well as introducing and demonstrating the use of basic assistive devices.
Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes (front row, sixth from left), Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) President Hon Wai (front row, sixth from right) and other attendees pose for a group photo during the one-day “Courtesy without Boundaries, Access without Barriers” training activities at MGM COTAI yesterday. – Photo: Ida Cheong
