KATHMANDU: Nepal’s warm hospitality can provide a strong foundation for inclusive tourism, but travellers with disabilities need better infrastructure and reliable information to explore the country independently, British broadcaster and disability rights advocate Sophie Morgan said.

Morgan, who recently travelled in Nepal from Kathmandu to Upper Mustang, shared her experiences and recommendations at a programme titled “Journeys Without Barriers: Sophie Morgan in Nepal” held at the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu on Friday.

Reflecting on her travels, Morgan said Nepal had significant potential to develop as an inclusive tourism destination, but systemic improvements were needed to make travel easier and more predictable for people with disabilities.

She called for greater investment in accessible infrastructure, accurate and reliable accessibility information, and stronger cooperation among tourism stakeholders.

For travellers with disabilities, access to reliable information before and during a trip can be as important as physical infrastructure, as it allows them to plan journeys with greater independence and confidence, she said.

Speaking at the event, Nepal Tourism Board Officiating Director Sunil Sharma said tourists with disabilities, along with their families and companions, represented an important and growing opportunity for destinations such as Nepal.

Nepal took a step towards accessible tourism in 2018 by opening its first accessible trekking trail in Kaskikot. The trail has also received certification as an accessible trekking route.

Morgan’s visit and reflections come as Nepal seeks to broaden its tourism offering and make its destinations more accessible to a wider range of travellers.