The 2009 Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality (SATH) world congress is to be held from January 4 – 8, 2009 in Orlando at Walt Disney World, it was announced yesterday.
“SATH remains steadfast in its role to serve and assist the travel industry, as well as work as an advocate to advance the needs of travelers with disabilities and the mature,” SATH executive coordinator Jani Nayar said. “Our 13th Annual Congress will bear testimony to the astounding growth in global awareness of the disability market and its potential.”
According to SATH, the theme, “Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges” reflect the organization’s continued efforts to breakdown barriers to travel for people with disabilities by building bridges among the suppliers, the service providers, the travel agents and tour operators, and the consumers. “For over 32 years, SATH has been at the forefront of these efforts, and this Congress, our 13th, once again provides the platform to make this all happen,” it said.
“For the past 12 years the SATH Congress has been the leader in educating the travel, tourism and hospitality industry on how to meet the needs of people with disabilities when they travel,” SATH education director Roberta Schwartz. “Our 13th Congress will once again prove the place to be to learn and network.” According to her, Walt Disney World Resort was a wonderful success last year. “As one of the most visited destinations worldwide we are able to provide our delegates with first-hand knowledge of this popular brand.”
For Judith Cardenas, of Accessible Cancun, attended her first congress last January. She describes her experience as “excellent.” She said: “One of the most important things that has happened to me was the conference at SATH. I’m so motivated after that event with a lot of work to do.”
SATH has expressed its interest in having “all travel professionals, whatever role you play, be it the traveler or travel agent, tour operator, meeting planner, cruise line, airline, hotel, destination or attraction” to its 13th world congress. SATH said: “Please join SATH in January as it continues the traditions that have served them so well in the past and will move everyone forward to truly making the world more accessible for everyone!”
For his part, SATH chairman Stuart Vidockler said: “Since 1976, when my father Murray Vidockler founded SATH, we have been in the forefront of making travel more accessible for all. Our 13th Congress continues our mission as we spread the word worldwide.”
SATH’s world congress will be held at the Contemporary Resort in Walt Disney World Resort. “Our mission is to help everyone better understand the needs of this important market, which is growing dramatically, by providing a forum for idea exchange, networking and a trade show. Some fun is also in store with visits to Universal Orlando and EPCOT among other excitement and education,” the New York-based organization added.
For more on this event and this great organization, visit www.sath.org.
