The Bauchi State Government has introduced a 50 per cent discount on entry fees to tourist attractions and accommodation costs for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) visiting tourism destinations across the state.
The initiative, introduced through the Bauchi 360 Tourism Touch-Up Network, will also extend the discount to one caregiver accompanying each eligible visitor, as part of efforts to promote disability inclusion and improve access to the state’s tourism facilities.
The Managing Director of the Bauchi State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC), Muhammad Nasiru Yusuf, announced the initiative on Monday during an interview in Bauchi. He disclosed that the programme would also feature free guided excursions for groups of persons with disabilities from schools and disability organisations to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Yusuf explained that the corporation was upgrading facilities at Yankari Game Reserve, Sumu Wildlife Park and Bauchi lodges to make them more accessible to visitors with different disabilities.
According to him, the planned improvements include wheelchair-accessible ramps, adapted accommodation facilities and toilets, designated parking spaces and Braille information boards.
“Conservation without inclusion is incomplete. We are opening Yankari, Sumu and all our tourism assets to everyone, regardless of ability,” he said.
He added that the corporation was also considering additional support measures, including transportation arrangements for sightseeing and assistance from personnel trained in sign language to enhance the experience of visitors with disabilities.
Yusuf noted that the accessibility improvements were being implemented in phases, with some facilities already available to visitors.
He urged schools, disability organisations and other interested groups to contact the corporation’s office in Bauchi for further information on how to benefit from the initiative.
The programme is expected to address some of the financial and physical barriers limiting the participation of persons with disabilities in tourism and recreational activities.
However, the corporation is yet to disclose the duration of the discount, specific eligibility criteria, the projected number of beneficiaries or the timeline for completing all planned accessibility upgrades.
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