Manager, Visitor Services Destination BC
Q1. When did you begin focusing on accessibility in your destination and what was the impetus for wanting to make your destination more accessible?
Accessibility has been an important consideration in British Columbia for many years, including during the lead up to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games hosted in Vancouver and Whistler, BC. Destination BC began focusing on accessible tourism in earnest in 2018 when we launched our three year Accessible Tourism Framework and Action Plan, followed by our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Strategy. This focus continues now in support of the BC Accessibility Act in 2021. We believe that everyone, regardless of their abilities, should be able to participate in BC’s tourism experiences.
I’m personally driven to help create a more accessible destination because of a young family member with complex cognitive and physical disabilities. Traveling with my nephew has underscored the significance of establishing a destination that embraces inclusivity and hospitality for all individuals, regardless of their abilities. Fostering an environment where everyone feels welcomed and secure while traveling and experiencing tourism offerings is a goal I’m passionate about.
“I’m personally driven to help create a more accessible destination because of a young family member with complex cognitive and physical disabilities. Traveling with my nephew has underscored the significance of establishing a destination that embraces inclusivity and hospitality for all individuals, regardless of their abilities.”
Q2. What are your main responsibilities and tasks in your organization?
As the Manager of Visitor Services, my role involves overseeing a program that assists more than 130 community Visitor Centres across British Columbia. Additionally, I take charge of project managing Destination BC’s accessibility initiatives, lending a hand in executing our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Strategy, and facilitating our Accessibility and Inclusion Committee.
Q3. Aside from budget, what are the most difficult obstacles or barriers that you face regarding the advancement of accessibility in your destination? What initiatives have you undertaken to improve accessibility in your destination, and which are you most proud of?
Raising awareness and providing education are crucial steps in making the tourism industry more accessible. We need to spread the word about the importance of accessibility and equip businesses with the knowledge and resources they need to make meaningful changes. By fostering understanding and sharing best practices, we can create a more inclusive tourism experience for everyone.
Providing educational resources for our tourism industry and incorporating accessible tourism information on our consumer-facing website are essential steps towards inclusivity. Together, these efforts contribute to a more welcoming and inclusive tourism experience for everyone and I am very proud to have been part of the team at Destination BC to make this happen.
Q4. Who do you follow? Name an organization/company/individual you look to for ideas or inspiration.
The Rick Hanson Foundation, Spinal Cord Injury BC, Destination A11y members and the passionate members of our Accessibility and Inclusion Committee.
Q5. What are your plans around accessibility in 2024?
We are committed to further strengthening the capacity of the tourism industry by equipping stakeholders with additional tools and resources to foster inclusion. Through collaboration with partners across the tourism ecosystem, government agencies, and our Accessibility and Inclusion Committee, we aim to identify, eliminate, and prevent barriers that hinder accessibility. Moreover, we strive to showcase the commendable accessibility initiatives undertaken by tourism businesses and individuals throughout British Columbia. Together, we can create a more welcoming and inclusive tourism landscape for all.
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