Create Access for All

“See the financial benefits of a fully accessible Barbados (FAB).”

That is the advice given by Maureen Bridgeman, Tourism Development Officer and coordinator of the FAB scheme to leaders in the hospitality industry. Speaking with The Barbados Advocate yesterday at the launch of the FAB website, Bridgeman noted that many industry stakeholders had been discouraged by the initial costs associated with adapting their establishments under the FAB criteria. However, Bridgeman assured that the scheme is one which will garner long-term benefits for the industry.

“We are a bit disappointed because we are finding that persons in the industry, in terms of hoteliers, have not come onboard as of yet. So we are hoping that we can get the message out there to hoteliers. aThey need to see the importance of inclusive tourism and that this is a market which is out there and that we can cater to this it,” she stated.

“Many of them that we contacted were worried that they cannot afford it and for that reason they had lost interest but in the long run it would be beneficial to all if they did.”

She maintained, “Once one hotel starts to do it, they will see the benefits of becoming fully accessible and hopefully they all will start because it will not only benefit the disabled visitor. The scheme will also benefit the repeat aging visitors to Barbados; those who have been coming to Barbados for 30-40 years and they are now getting old. How are they going to manage? How will they get up the stairs to go up to their rooms? Therefore, if the hotels want to keep these visitors it would be wise for them to implement these particular plans,” she explained.

The Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the Barbados Council for the Disabled, will be hosting an Inclusive Tourism Symposium under the “Fully Accessible Barbados” (FAB) programme. The feature Presentation will be delivered by Dr. Scott Rains an Inclusive Tourism Specialist from the United States of America. This Symposium is scheduled to take place today from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.

By Jenna Marshall

Barbados Advocate

October 4, 2011