Armchair tourism: Tharith Tep leads the way
« The World in an Armchair » is the name of the new tour operator launched by a well-known and appreciated personality among travel professionals: Tharip Tep. With his brother Rithy, and supported by industry insiders (Jonathan Lament – Syltours and Philippe Zaouati – Mirova), he now offers adapted vacations for people in wheelchairs and their caregivers.
« To accommodate people with disabilities, the tour operator must be an « integrator of accessible solutions, » combining high-level logistics engineering with a deeply human and personalized approach, » explains Tharith Tep, himself disabled following a double stroke in 2017.
A set of very specific qualities and skills that Le monde en Armchair and that go far beyond organizing traditional trips.
It’s not just about logistics, but also about expertise and empathy, with 100% tailored and 100% enjoyable stays, services & 100% accessible activities adapted to biorhythms, as well as daily medical and technical support (physiotherapists, personal care workers, vehicles for people with reduced mobility and drivers)
A market that is still largely immature
Despite growing demand and significant economic potential, the tourism market for people with disabilities, whether physical or mental, has not yet reached a level of development, professionalization, and integration comparable to other tourism segments.
« Information on accessibility is often insufficient, ambiguous, or misleading, » explains Rithy Tep.
It’s true that the concept of « accessible » is still not standardized.
What is considered accessible in France may not be so in Morocco or the United States (e.g., counter height, door width, presence of a stairlift or elevator).
Service providers (hotels, museums) often provide limited information.
Agencies and platforms lack precise, verified, and granular data (e.g., exact bathroom dimensions, type of ramps).
Travelers still have to do a lot of research and verification themselves, which increases the stress and complexity of planning.
And this is the great strength of Un monde en Fauteuil: knowing how to manage complex airline procedures (PRM, handling of motorized wheelchairs), transfers with adapted vehicles, and ferry boarding/disembarking.
Managing electric wheelchairs and their batteries, for example, is crucial.
And, of course, the meticulous organization of exotic stays in varied and perfectly managed destinations.
PR
On the same subject
A new world leader in luxury train travel
Arsenale Group, an Italian group at the forefront of luxury travel experiences, has just...
Ghana : In which regions of the country are the prettiest women found ?
Ghana is a country of great ethnic and cultural richness, and each region has...
Fallen star, indebted and sued in Russia : Viktor Philip’s interview : « I have no barriers
At home in his living room, Viktor Philip has hung a picture of Gene...
