Tragedy inspires agent's accessible travel mission
They say necessity is the mother of invention. But in some instances this necessity isn’t an especially welcome one. So it was with Anne Bain, a 15-year veteran of the retail travel industry who was confronted with a life changing set of circumstances in 2011. An innocuous bike ride taken by her husband Greg back in 2011 ended when he was hit by a car. He was badly injured and suffered a severe brain injury which has affected him ever since.
Working as a home based agent and also cast in the role of doting carer to her husband, Bain hit on an inspirational plan that combined her changing circumstances and business acumen.
“Greg’s subsequent healing process brought me into contact with both rehabilitation specialists and solicitors. It was during a conversation with these people that the idea of providing a service for accessible travel was born,” Bain said. After a difficult year of juggling her responsibilities, by December 2012 she had set up a website and AccessAbility Travel had gone from conception to reality.
Like most fledgling business ideas, the first year was a challenge in terms of building up awareness but by the second half of 2013 things were tracking positively. Bain also decided early on to nail her colours to mast, quite literally, by making cruise a key focus for her business. “In early 2013 I decided to concentrate the service I provided on cruising because it’s one of the best forms of holiday for every ability. I also became a member of Cruise Lines International Association and set up a Facebook business page,” Bain said.
The business, based in the small town of Wingham on the New South Wales mid north coast, has formed a niche as it empowers people who might not have considered leisure travel possible due to an impairment, either physical or mental. Having experienced first-hand the difficulties of travel for both the impaired individual and carer, Bain was in an excellent position to assist. “Probably the hardest thing for those with a disability who would like to have a holiday is making the arrangements. It’s the getting to and from, where to go, and what can I do aspects that are most challenging. If not undertaken by the person themselves then this task would most often fall to the carer or another family member or friend, so I believed that if I could ease this burden then more people with a disability would be able to go on a holiday,” Bain said.
Bain also believes that with a rapidly ageing population in Australia the need for businesses such as hers will only grow. Many of the baby boomer generation do not want for disposable income, but issues such as mobility and illness can potentially hold them back from taking that trip of a lifetime. “The one thing baby boomers are renowned for is travelling and experiencing new destinations and although not all will have disabilities a good number will. Add to this demographic people who are younger wheelchair users, or are sight or hearing impaired, and it is an enormous number of potential travellers who could need assistance,” Bain said.
Although AccessAbility Travel is not the only business out there that caters for or specialises in disability travel, she does feel that the market sector could benefit from additional awareness. To this end she has taken steps to promote the cause. “Our local area held a Health, Medical and Disability Expo for the first time last year, which was a great way to let people know what and who is available to help them. Every year since my husband’s accident AccessAbility Travel has been involved with Brain Injury Queensland’s Bang On A Beanie project too,” Bain said.
Unsurprisingly, the nature of the business and her work with people who certainly don’t take the opportunity to travel for granted has generated some heart-warming experiences. One client wanted nothing more than to take his extended family on holiday, but was meeting obstacles that seemed insurmountable. “They were concerned their elderly parents would miss out as the father used a wheelchair and the mother was also quite frail. I organised a cruise, the family flew in from different parts of Australia and overseas and support equipment, including a wheelchair was delivered to the ship. In total 35 people had a great family get together and all they had to do was turn up,” Bain said.
It has been a difficult journey over the last few years, but Bain takes plenty of satisfaction from the establishment of her business. “Being the central figure in the business and having the freedom to choose my one-on-one appointments, it affords me the chance to use my travel industry experience to help people who are challenged by disability in some small way,” Bain said.
“I guess I can also see things from the disability perspective, having been a carer and seen the demands made on family and friends when a loved one has a disability,” Bain said. At the end of the day, as travel agents the country over would attest, there’s no surer way to empathise with a client than to have a shared experience.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
accessability travel agents disabilityLatest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!