Ignacio Montoto, Director of the Hotel Jaime I and the Tryp Castellón Center
Ignacio Montoto, Director of the Hotel Jaime I and the Tryp Castellón Center (Civis Hotels) talks about accessible tourism and its needs in the province of Castellón. Since the launch of the European project RESTAT on accessible tourism with EuroFUE-UJI as a partner, multiple aspects related to accessibility are being considered in a field as important for the economy of Castellón as tourism. This European project, which belongs to the Erasmus+ call “Strategic Partnership in the areas of education and training”, highlights the need for accessible tourism in Castellón. Ignacio Montoto has shared his point of view on this topic.
What can tourism professionals generally do when offering tourism services to people with accessibility needs?
In these cases, what tourism professionals can generally do is offer said tourists extreme sensitivity when serving clients with disabilities.
What skills will future professionals in the tourism sector need to learn in their jobs?
Students should know in depth the needs of disabled people, in order to implement action procedures that allow them to provide appropriate care and service. They must also know the reality of the accessibility of the establishment where they work, in order to offer accurate information to their clients.
In your opinion, should certain skills for accessible tourism be promoted in specific courses?
In my opinion, both knowledge of sign language and Braille are two skills that should be taught in specialized courses.
What is the current situation regarding training offers in Accessible Tourism in Castellón? Are there specialized courses?
I know the Strategic Plan for Accessible Tourism of the Generalitat Valenciana 2017-2020. Point 2.9 talks about training in customer service with disabilities for students and professionals in the tourism sector, with a training calendar through the CDT.
Do you think it is necessary to introduce new specific skills in the field of tourism work, for example in traditional training?
Sure. Through our association ALTUR, we are working to be able to offer the Jaume I University a proposal for subjects that we consider should be covered in Tourism studies.
What are the professional opportunities for people with skills in Accessible Tourism?
Since we are talking about very rare skills, there will surely be job opportunities for appropriately trained workers. The Ilunion group places special emphasis on the training of professionals with sensitivity to care for people with disabilities.
