Destination BC Hosts Fifth Accessibility and Inclusion Committee Meeting

On April 30, 2025, Destination BC hosted the fifth meeting of its Accessibility and Inclusion Committee (AIC). Held virtually, the meeting provided an important opportunity to gather insights and guidance from accessibility advocates across the province as we continue to strengthen inclusive tourism experiences in British Columbia.

Informed by Lived Experience

The Accessibility and Inclusion Committee is comprised of 12 members from across BC who either identify as having a disability or represent organizations that support people with disabilities. Collectively, the group brings a rich range of lived experience and expertise, spanning mobility, sensory (vision, hearing, cognitive), and invisible disabilities, informing DBC’s work in a meaningful and representative way.

Supporting Inclusive Program Design

During the meeting, Sam Turcott, Assistant Deputy Minister of Accessibility at the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, provided an update on the province’s efforts to refresh its Accessibility Plan under the Accessible BC Act. As the current 2022-23 to 2024-25 plan (PDF) is wrapping up, work has begun to identify accessibility priorities across government in support of a refreshed Accessibility Plan for government. The AIC plays a vital role in aligning Destination BC’s efforts with these broader government priorities.

Inclusive and Accessible Guest Experiences

Frances Ishii, Manager of Tourism, Events and Marketing, reported on Destination BC’s accessible and inclusive booth activation at the 2024 Invictus Games. The booth was designed to inspire connection to BC’s natural environments and promote mental and physical well-being through travel and incorporated feedback from the committee to ensure its inclusivity and accessibility to guests. Some aspects of the experience that resulted from the committee’s feedback included:

• Volunteer training focused on accessibility and inclusion awareness.

• Comfortable, accessible furniture, replacing standard benches with armchairs.

• A curated sensory kit with real foliage and natural textures.

• Tripping hazard mitigation through revised flooring design.

• Reduced screen brightness to support sensory comfort.

• Transparent time indicators to set visitor expectations.

• Enhanced engagement, resulting in over 3,500 booth visitors.

Additionaly, Destination BC’s Director of Destination Development and Stewardship, Erica Hummel, shared progress on the Invest in Iconics strategy. The committee provided valuable suggestions to ensure marketing initiatives better reflect accessible experiences and support trip planning for people of all abilities.

Embedding Accessibility Across Strategies

Imran Gill, Director of Industry Partnerships & DEIA, and Laura Blaker, Senior Project Manager, DEIA, shared key highlights from the implementation of Destination BC’s DEIA strategy and results from the most recent Your Voice 2024 Employee Survey analyzed through the lens of equity deserving groups. This report provides valuable insights into the progress we’ve made and areas where we can improve as we continue implementing our DEIA Strategy. The committee provided valuable insights on areas Destination BC might prioritize to ensure meaningful progress for all employee groups.

Strengthening the Foundations of Inclusive Tourism

The work of the Accessibility and Inclusion Committee reflects Destination BC’s broader commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility across all aspects of tourism development and promotion. From product design to storytelling, policy to programming, embedding accessibility supports Destination BC’s goal of ensuring that British Columbia is welcoming to everyone.

We extend our thanks to the committee members and contributors who shared their time and expertise to make this meeting impactful.