THE INTERNATIONAL CODE FOR THE PROTECTION OF TOURISTS 364 Accessibility is another important principle, laying down the right of tourists with special needs to travel just like any other person. Recognising the greater vulnerability of these tourists in emergencies entails additional and more significant care from public authorities and service providers, namely airlines, other transporters and hotels5, such as “eliminating obstacles and barriers”, so as to protect these travellers from further unnecessary danger. Another requirement of the Code is clarity and security in the rights of tourists and service providers in order to allow for timely understanding. Finally, the risk-targeted approach implies “regulatory approaches targeted at risk and to have specific and well-defined objectives that respond directly to emergency situations, respecting the principles of non-discrimination and proportionality”. 4. PREVENTION, INFORMATION, ASSISTANCE AND REPATRIATION While Section I focused on principles, Section II covered a wide range of Recommendations: Subsection i) addresses Prevention; Subsection ii) Information; Subsection iii) Assistance; and lastly, Subsection iv) concerns Repatriation. Subsection i): Prevention 1 - establish permanent and effective crisis management services that facilitate operational measures; 2 - establish specific programmes, contingency plans and protocols for emergencies, i.e. coordination mechanisms that consider the tourism service providers, the concerned authorities and tourists; 3 - designate local and national authorities or bodies responsible for monitoring, advising on and coordinating the application of those programmes, contingency plans and protocols, as well as assist tourists; - establish an information hub for tourism service providers, authorities and tourists; 4 - support the regular development and updating of information, training and communication materials for tourism service providers assisting tourists, especially those with disabilities and seniors; 5 As such, in emergencies, “they should not be excluded from communication regarding public health, safety measures and travel updates, decision-making, and information on the availability and accessibility of basic services.”.
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