ECO PRO
Accessible Tourism: An Inclusive Future for Dive Travel by Alex Brylske, Ph.D. , President, Ocean Education International, LLC
N OT SO LONG AGO, the notion of a wheelchair user rolling onto a dive boat or a blind diver navi- gating a reef would have seemed impossible. Today, not only is it possible, it’s becoming a defining frontier in how we think about the business of dive travel. The concept driving this change has been termed accessible tourism. Accessible tourism, as defined by the UN and World Health Organization, is not a niche initiative for “special populations.” It is a conscious effort to ensure that everyone – regardless of disability, age, or access needs – can enjoy
is a non-profit dedicated to building confidence, independence, and self-esteem in children, adults, and veterans with disabilities through scuba diving. Diveheart goes beyond basic "check-box” accessibility. Its adaptive diving programs are research-based, therapeutic, and transformative. By training instructors in adaptive tech- niques and forming partnerships worldwide, they show that scuba diving can uniquely transform lives. Unlike many sports, diving levels the playing field – gravity disappears, mobility is redefined, and limitations fade into the background of a shared underwater experience. For dive shops and resorts, partnering with organizations like Diveheart pro- vides a proven model of excellence. It also builds credibility: instead of trying to develop adaptive training on their own, operators can connect with an established network that understands both the physical and psychological aspects of disability. Despite the progress, major barriers still confront travelers with disabilities. Among the most common: Untrained staff are unsure how to assist or communicate ▪ effectively. Inaccessible booking systems that fail to disclose rele- ▪ vant information. Physical barriers in hotels, boats, or dive shops. ▪ Lack of adaptive equipment or knowledge of how to use ▪ it. Insufficient destination planning, including transport ▪ and local facilities. Several destinations are already leading the way. Bonaire, Cozumel, Curaçao, and the Florida Keys have created adaptive dive programs and accessible facilities, drawing loyal crowds of divers with disabilities. Resorts that once viewed accessibility as a burden now see it as a competitive advantage. Imagine your facility as the “go-to” operator for adaptive divers in your region. You’re not only filling boats – you’re creating life-changing experiences. That’s the kind of customer loyalty and reputation no advertising budget can buy. PAGE THIRTY-SEVEN | SCUBA DIVING INDUSTRY
travel experiences equally. That includes the ocean. With over 1.3 billion people worldwide living with some form of disability, along with millions of family members and caregivers traveling with them, this is not a small segment of the market. It accounts for nearly one-third of global tourism demand – yet it remains vastly underserved. For the dive industry, this is both a responsibility and a remarkable op- portunity.
a Diveheart Group Dive
Accessible tourism is recognized internationally as a human rights issue. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities calls for full participation in cultural and recreational life. But for dive operators, this isn’t just about compliance – it’s about growth. Think of it this way: every diver we turn away because of inaccessible facilities or untrained staff is a diver, along with their travel companions, who are lost to us. Enhancing ac- cessibility – whether through adaptive equipment, barrier- free design, or staff training – leads to more customers, increased loyalty, and positive word of mouth. Accessible tourism isn't just for people with disabilities; it also improves the experience for seniors, families with young children, and anyone who benefits from thoughtful design and flexibility. In short, accessible diving is good ethics, good teaching, and good business. No organization has done more to advance the cause of accessible diving than Diveheart (www.diveheart.org). Founded by former Chicago-based media pro Jim Elliott, Diveheart
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