Hey there, friends!

I’m so excited to share something that’s close to my heart—accessible tourism in South Africa. Traveling is something that should be enjoyable for everyone, yet many people with disabilities still face barriers when trying to explore the beauty of our country. That’s why I’m thrilled to talk about the upcoming Accessible Tourism Education and Awareness event happening on March 28th at Desmond Tutu Hall, VUT Vanderbijlpark Campus. This initiative is a step toward making sure that tourism in South Africa is truly inclusive.

Think about all the incredible places South Africa has to offer—from the breathtaking landscapes of the Drakensberg Mountains to the historic streets of Cape Town and the lively energy of Soweto. Now imagine being unable to experience those places simply because there aren’t proper facilities, ramps, accessible transport, or clear signage.

For people living with disabilities, a simple trip can turn into a series of challenges. Whether it’s navigating an inaccessible building, dealing with a lack of accessible transport, or finding that a tourist attraction isn’t equipped to accommodate their needs, these obstacles can turn what should be a joyful experience into a stressful one.

Accessible tourism isn’t just about compliance with laws; it’s about dignity, inclusion, and making sure that everyone—no matter their ability—can experience the richness of our country. It also makes business sense! The tourism industry has a huge opportunity to tap into a market that is often overlooked, and by being more inclusive, businesses can attract more visitors and create a better experience for all travelers.

At ProAccess, our mission is to ensure that people with disabilities are included in every aspect of society, and that includes the tourism industry. We believe that awareness and education are key to driving real change, which is why we are proud to be part of this event.

Our role is to highlight the experiences of people with disabilities when it comes to tourism, provide practical insights on accessibility improvements, and help businesses and policymakers understand how they can create more inclusive environments. We will be working alongside other incredible organizations, including DRC (Secretariat of ANATHS), Matli Centre of Blind People, Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, Emfuleni Local Municipality, and both the Gauteng and National Departments of Tourism to ensure that accessibility isn’t just talked about—it’s acted upon.

This event is more than just a discussion—it’s a movement. By coming together, we can raise awareness, share experiences, and push for policies and practices that make South Africa’s tourism sector truly accessible.

So, if you’re passionate about inclusion, if you work in tourism, or if you simply want to learn more about how we can make travel accessible for all, join us on March 28th at VUT. Let’s work together to create a future where everyone can explore, experience, and enjoy South Africa without limits.

Looking forward to seeing you there!