Traveling, exploring new cultures and experiencing new destinations should be within everyone's reach. Thanks in part to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the United States Virgin Islands has made major strides in offering barrier-free travel to visitors from around the globe. However, we all can do more to welcome people of all abilities to our shores, which is one reason we wholeheartedly support the theme of World Tourism Day: "TOURISM FOR ALL - Promoting Universal Accessibility." We believe it is important to bring this issue to the forefront.
In the U.S. Virgin Islands, you will find many lodgings and attractions, tour operators and rental equipment that provide a barrier-free travel experience for our residents and our visitors.
The national parks in our territory feature accessible beaches, trails and paths for all to enjoy, and some of our most alluring beaches are fully or partially accessible as are many restaurants, attractions and public facilities. Similarly, the accommodations sector is taking compliance seriously, and many public and private facilities are in various stages of coming into compliance with the ADA as they upgrade their infrastructure.
Additionally, the Office of the Governor offers free training to our tourism partners on the Americans with Disabilities Act and welcoming customers with disabilities.
Accessibility is beneficial for everyone and we thank the United Nations World Tourism Organization for reminding us and urging us to do more to celebrate all our abilities.
We wish you a Happy World Tourism Day!
