Monday, August 12, 2024 Amsaan Accessible Tours (AAT), recognized as a leader in the field of inclusive tourism, particularly for travelers who are hard of hearing, has recently introduced a significant new initiative. The project, named “Travel with Bova,” is designed to provide guided tours conducted entirely in sign language, which marks a noteworthy advancement in the domain of accessible tourism. This initiative is launching from the UAE, a crucial destination for AAT, and is anticipated to greatly benefit not only the tourism industry but also Deaf travelers on a global scale.
The “Travel with Bova” program is spearheaded by Volodymyr Bozhko, often referred to as Bova, who is a senior Deaf tour guide with over 15 years of professional experience. Bova is proficient in International Sign Language and has extensive experience guiding tourists from various regions, including the United States, China, and former CIS countries. His expertise spans a wide range of destinations, encompassing European countries, exotic islands, and nations across Southeast Asia.
He has also been involved in organizing multi-country tours, making him an ideal leader for this initiative. To enhance the experience further, Bova will be accompanied by Dmytro, another expert guide who has traveled to over 50 countries and possesses a deep understanding of the specific needs of Deaf travelers. Together, they form a team dedicated to ensuring that the tours provided under this initiative are both enriching and accessible.
The primary goal of “Travel with Bova” is to offer travel experiences that are fully accessible to the Deaf community. By removing communication barriers, this initiative allows Deaf travelers to fully immerse themselves in the cultures of the destinations they visit. Although the UAE remains a popular destination for AAT, the project aims to introduce tourists to a broader array of locations across the globe.
This initiative is a response to the global economic loss of approximately US$150 billion annually due to the underutilization of accessible tourism. By employing specialists like Bova and Dmytro, along with leveraging advanced technology, AAT is committed to crafting unforgettable experiences for Deaf travelers. The introduction of “Travel with Bova” is expected to set new standards in the tourism industry, particularly in catering to the needs of the over 430 million people worldwide who experience hearing loss.
Alex Koltsov, CEO of Amsaan Accessible Tours, emphasized the significance of this project, noting that last year alone, more than 170 Deaf tourists participated in their tours in Dubai. Currently, there are 66 more tourists scheduled for upcoming tours, underscoring the growing demand for such inclusive travel experiences. Koltsov also highlighted that this project is a testament to AAT’s dedication to inclusivity and cultural exchange.
It is believed that “Travel with Bova” will have a lasting impact on the travel industry by empowering Deaf travelers, promoting their independence, and encouraging the industry to become more attuned to their specific needs. “Travel with Bova” is more than just a series of guided tours; it is an initiative that aims to bridge the gap between Deaf and hearing communities. By offering tours conducted entirely in sign language, this project fosters mutual understanding and respect between these communities.
Moreover, AAT has plans to expand its offerings in response to tourist demand, including the introduction of additional sign languages and new travel destinations. In alignment with their commitment to inclusive tourism, AAT is also working on developing tours that cater to individuals with other types of disabilities. Additionally, the company has plans to host the Deaf Festival in Dubai this December, further solidifying their role as pioneers in the field of accessible tourism.
The initial tour destinations for “Travel with Bova” will include a selection of European countries and Japan. Currently, tours with active bookings are scheduled for the Canary Islands in August, Madeira and the Azores in September, Portugal & Spain in September, and Egypt & Jordan in October and November. A tour to Bali is also planned for March 2025.
Furthermore, additional destinations such as Finland, Thailand, Germany, and Japan will soon be added to the itinerary. Travelers interested in participating in these tours can easily check the tour dates and book their spots through the dedicated “Travel with Bova” page or via AAT’s social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. The global impact of “Travel with Bova” is expected to be profound.
By making travel more accessible to the Deaf community, AAT is not only enhancing the travel experiences for these individuals but also encouraging the broader industry to recognize the importance of inclusivity. This initiative could potentially lead to a more significant focus on accessible tourism, inspiring other companies to develop similar offerings and thus fostering a more inclusive global travel environment. In summary, “Travel with Bova” represents a transformative step forward in the realm of accessible tourism.
By offering sign language-guided tours and promoting inclusivity, AAT is paving the way for a more inclusive and understanding travel industry that benefits all travelers, regardless of their hearing ability..
