### Inclusive Spaces Could Boost Tourism in Tijuana, Activist Says
Creating inclusive spaces in Tijuana could significantly enhance the city’s tourism industry, according to Adriana Lorena Almarez, president of the “Inclusive Synergy” association. The organization, founded in 2020, has observed that the lack of inclusive spaces poses a challenge for children, youths, and adults with disabilities, making it difficult for them to communicate and move safely through commercial areas and public spaces.
Almarez points out that approximately 65,740 people in Tijuana have a disability card registered with the municipal DIF (Integral Family Development System). This underscores the urgent need for a collective consciousness centered on rehabilitating and creating inclusive spaces.
In her assessment, Tijuana’s commercial areas, restaurants, and public thoroughfares are not adequately accessible to people with disabilities. She has toured various malls and recreational spaces over the past four years, only to find a severe lack of accessibility features such as tactile flooring or Braille menus for visually impaired individuals.
Currently, Almarez is working on an initiative to propose to the business and gastronomic sectors the introduction of at least one Braille menu, tactile flooring for bathroom access, and staff training to improve customer service for people with disabilities. This initiative also includes learning Mexican Sign Language (LSM).
Introducing accessibility features also makes good business sense. Almarez believes that addressing this segment of the population not only represents social justice but can also attract visitors, both local and international, who might choose Tijuana as an inclusive tourist destination. The activist cites a study indicating that 6.4% of Mexico’s population had some form of disability in 2014, equivalent to 7.5 million people.
Looking to the future, Almarez mentions that by 2050, adults over the age of 65 will make up 20% of the global population, escalating the demand for accessible spaces and services. Inclusive employment practices could also provide job opportunities for people with auditory, visual, or other disabilities.
Though there have been some efforts within the hotel industry to promote inclusivity—such as workshops for staff on Mexican Sign Language facilitated by DIF—the overall state of commerce in Tijuana remains largely non-inclusive. Large enterprises like Walmart and Calimax hire individuals with disabilities, but smaller local businesses lag behind in terms of accessible facilities.
Almarez is in discussions with Tijuana’s Tourism and Conventions Committee (Cotuco) to present her project for a more inclusive city. She also proposes converting abandoned areas into accessible spaces with tactile flooring, walkways, ramps, and wide access points, making them suitable for various productive activities.
The activist’s vision is clear: transforming Tijuana into an inclusive city could spur local economic growth by attracting more visitors from southern California, who often come for medical appointments.
### Additional Related News
#### Mexico City Government Launches Initiatives to Improve Accessibility
The government of Mexico City has recently announced new initiatives aimed at improving accessibility across the city. These initiatives include the installation of tactile paving, the creation of more pedestrian ramps, and the introduction of Braille signages in public buildings and transportation hubs.
This move comes as part of a broader plan to make Mexico City more inclusive and accessible to its residents and visitors with disabilities. The initiatives have been welcomed by disability rights activists, who see them as a significant step forward in making the city a more accommodating place for all.
#### Inclusive Tourism Gaining Momentum Worldwide
Inclusive tourism is becoming a key focus for many countries around the world. Recognizing the economic potential and social benefits, governments and businesses alike are increasingly investing in making travel more accessible to everyone.
From accessible beaches and tourist attractions to specialized tour operators, the global trend is leaning towards creating more inclusive and welcoming environments for tourists with disabilities. This shift not only benefits people with disabilities but also helps to raise awareness and foster a more inclusive society.
#### Training Programs for Business Owners on Inclusivity
Several non-profit organizations and governmental agencies are now offering training programs aimed at educating business owners on the importance of inclusivity. These programs cover a wide range of topics, from basic disability etiquette and customer service to implementing practical solutions like Braille menus and wheelchair access.
By participating in these training sessions, business owners can learn valuable skills that will help them better serve customers with disabilities and potentially attract a new segment of clientele.