NASSAU, Bahamas, September 2016 (Caribbean360) – The Ministry of Tourism is aiming to tap into a billion-dollar travel sector that has long been overlooked – disabled travellers – and will now begin to place accessibility at the heart of tourism development in The Bahamas.

Director in the Office of the Tourism Minister, Janet Johnson, says accessible tourism seeks to remove all barriers that would hinder and deny disabled persons – and locals – from enjoying easy access to everyday activities.

“It’s a win-win for everyone,” she said. “It’s a feel-good initiative because we are doing the right thing while potentially benefitting from a relatively new and lucrative revenue stream.”

Johnson said Barbados is leading the charge in this regard and benefiting handsomely. She noted the country has implemented creative measures for disabled guests to experience the country and incentives for businesses that make accommodations for those individuals.

Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe said The Bahamas has to adapt to this emerging market.

This is an excerpt from Caribbean360 as it appeared on September 7, 2016. For updates or to read the current version of this post in its entirety, please click here.

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