To celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) in May, the Diamond Works Institute and Cape Town Travel Massive hosted a special event designed to reframe how the travel industry approaches inclusion and accessibility.
Thanks to The Diamond Works Institute, guests were treated to a multi-sensory diamond experience, combining luxury with learning in a space that proved that accessibility and exclusivity can coexist beautifully.
The event featured presentations showcasing accessible tourism innovations and trends in the industry, as well as a valuable networking and hospitality thanks to our sponsors.
Sherise Dreyer, Cape Town Travel Massive chapter leader and host, shared her insights and experiences on designing for accessible tourism. Here’s a few key takeaways from her talk:
Racquel Dennison from Sozo Labs explored how immersive tech (like VR/AR) can break down access barriers and create truly engaging, inclusive experiences.
Jacques Stoltz, Director of Tourism at the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, Western Cape Government shared the provincial vision for accessible tourism as a strategic pillar — one that fosters both equity and economic growth.
Fuad Peters, Travel Massive Cape Town reflected on community-building and the need for shared responsibility in designing inclusive travel experiences.
Balini’s reveal of the Dove Dress was a highlight of the day. The flowing garment symbolised soft strength, dignity, and peace, and stood as a stunning reminder that what we wear can speak volumes about who we are and what we believe in.
A big thanks to everyone who gave their generous support.
“Let’s build destinations and futures that invite everyone in — and hold the door open.”
If you’re passionate about inclusion, or interested in hosting your own accessible tourism event, collaborating, or learning more — please don’t hesitate to reach out to Sherise Dreyer at chommie@iamcapetown.co.za
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GAAD 2025 Travel Edition wasn’t just an event — it was a call to action.
Inclusion doesn’t happen by default. It happens by design. And design begins with listening, seeing, and caring. Let’s keep showing up — with empathy, creativity, and courage.
Whether you joined us at the event or are only discovering it now, you’re invited to keep the conversation going.
Let’s build destinations and futures that invite everyone in — and hold the door open!
It looks like everyone had a wonderful time. Networking is always great, when I attend events run by Travel Massive. 👏🇿🇦♥️
Thank you, Penelope! We really had a meaningful and energising evening — the kind of space where stories, connections, and ideas flowed so naturally. There’s something special about the Travel Massive community that always brings the right people together at the right time.
We’d love to have you join us at a future event — your voice as a blogger and artist adds so much value to these conversations. Let’s keep rising together! 🇿🇦♥️✨ #TravelMassive #AfricaRising #InclusiveTravel
This was a positive and constructive workshop. There is a clear need for more discussions around the area of accessibility, as the conversations generated were useful. Thanks to the Cape Town Travel massive team for an outstanding event
Thank you so much, Lee-Ann! I'm so glad you found the workshop positive and constructive. Your presence and input added such richness to the conversation. You're right — accessibility deserves ongoing, honest dialogue, and it's encouraging to know there's strong interest and shared commitment within our community.
Looking forward to continuing this important journey together — and as always, we welcome feedback, ideas, and future collaborations! 💬♿🌍 #AccessibleTourism #CapeTownTravelMassive #GAAD2025
Exceptional event, great people in attendance. We are a fantastic team of tourism professionals in Cape Town, who all step up to the plate, show up, and take action. I sense positive initiatives to follow. Engaging, informative night well spent together. Thanks everyone
Thank you so much, Andrea 🌟 Your words truly capture the spirit of the evening. It’s always inspiring to be surrounded by passionate tourism professionals who show up, step up, and take meaningful action. The energy in the room was powerful, and I agree — this is just the beginning of many more inclusive and impactful initiatives to come.
We welcome collaborations and feedback, and you’re always welcome to reach out. Let’s keep the momentum going — together! 💫 #InclusionInAction #CapeTownTourism #GAAD2025
How exciting!!! Fantastic article and a great illustration of inclusive tourism and accessibility. GAAD was well celebrated and I am very happy to see such great work being done in this area. This is the Person-First theory in motion! Well done team!
Warren, thank you so much — coming from someone in your field, that feedback really means a lot. You nailed it: this was very much about putting people first and creating space where lived experiences could lead the conversation.
It’s encouraging to know the message of inclusive tourism resonated so strongly. There’s still a long road ahead, but moments like GAAD remind us what’s possible when intention meets action. Let’s keep that momentum going. 🙌♿ #PersonFirst #InclusiveTourism #GAAD2025
Honoured to represent our amazing Accessibility Chapter Leader, Sherise Dreyer, on her successful event hosted at, The Diamond Works.
Useful information and helpful suggestions on how we can improve Accessibility for our community in need as a Tourist Sector in Cape-Town, South Africa.
A job well done! ;)💯👏🏽
Juan, thank you — really. I appreciate you stepping in and showing up so fully, especially on a topic that means so much to both of us. Your support was felt, and your reflections on how the sector can do better were spot on.
It’s encouraging to know that the event resonated and that the conversations sparked some real thinking. There's still a lot of work ahead, but having people like you involved makes it feel possible.
Let’s keep pushing for a more accessible and inclusive tourism experience in Cape Town — together. ♿🌍
#AccessibilityInTourism #RealChange #CommunityMatters
This is such an important aspect that has been overlooked, and glad we are addressing it now. So many people are being left out of our beautiful world, and not seeing the beauty it has to offer.
Thank you, Lisa — your words really capture the heart of why this conversation matters. For far too long, accessibility has been treated as an afterthought in travel, and it’s time we shift that mindset. Everyone deserves the chance to experience the beauty and richness of our world, not just some.
This event was about starting that conversation and sparking real, practical change. I truly hope it’s the beginning of more inclusive thinking and collaborative action across the industry.
Would love to stay connected and hear your thoughts as we move forward. ♿🌍 #TravelForAll #InclusiveTourism #PurposeDrivenTravel
Thk u for my prize, lipgloss & lipliner.