Amsaan Accessible Tours (AAT), a leader in inclusive tourism, particularly for travelers who are hard of hearing, has introduced a groundbreaking new initiative: ‘Travel with Bova.’ This program offers guided tours conducted entirely in sign language, marking a significant advancement in accessible tourism.
Launching from the UAE, a key destination for AAT, ‘Travel with Bova’ is spearheaded by Volodymyr Bozhko, known as Bova, a senior Deaf tour guide with over 15 years of experience. Bova is proficient in International Sign Language and has guided tourists from diverse regions, including the US, China, and former CIS countries. His expertise spans various destinations, from European countries to exotic islands and Southeast Asian nations. He is also experienced in organizing multi-country tours, making him an ideal leader for this initiative.
Bova is joined by Dmytro, another expert guide with extensive travel experience and a deep understanding of the needs of Deaf travelers. Together, they form a team dedicated to providing enriching and accessible tour experiences.
The primary goal of ‘Travel with Bova’ is to offer travel experiences fully accessible to the Deaf community. By removing communication barriers, the program allows Deaf travelers to fully immerse themselves in the cultures of the destinations they visit. While the UAE remains a popular destination for AAT, the project aims to introduce tourists to a wider array of locations globally.
This initiative directly addresses the significant economic loss of approximately US$150 billion annually due to the underutilization of accessible tourism. By employing specialists like Bova and Dmytro and 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 over 430 million people worldwide who experience hearing loss. Alex Koltsov, CEO of Amsaan Accessible Tours, emphasizes the significance of this project, noting that over 170 Deaf tourists participated in their Dubai tours last year. With 66 more tourists scheduled for upcoming tours, the demand for such inclusive travel experiences is growing.
Koltsov also highlights that this project reflects AAT’s dedication to inclusivity and cultural exchange. ‘Travel with Bova’ is anticipated to 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 guided tours; it is an initiative 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.
AAT plans to expand its offerings in response to tourist demand, including the introduction of additional sign languages and new travel destinations. In line with their commitment to inclusive tourism, AAT is also developing tours catering to individuals with other types of disabilities. Additionally, the company plans to host the Deaf Festival in Dubai this December, further solidifying their role as pioneers in accessible tourism.
The initial tour destinations for ‘Travel with Bova’ include selected European countries and Japan. 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 planned for March 2025. Additional destinations such as Finland, Thailand, Germany, and Japan will soon be added to the itinerary.
Travelers interested in participating in these tours can check 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 travel experiences but also encouraging the broader industry to recognize the importance of inclusivity. This initiative could lead to a more significant focus on accessible tourism, inspiring other companies to develop similar offerings and fostering a more inclusive global travel environment.
In summary, ‘Travel with Bova’ represents a transformative step forward in 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.
