Speakers
Stephanie Sheehy
Member of the Board of Directors of the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT)
Founder of the Accessible Tourism Network, a non-profit association that has enabled more than 10 beaches on both coasts of Costa Rica for people with special needs by creating walkways and amphibious chairs for access to the sea using recycled wood made from plastic bottle caps, thus achieving universally accessible spaces.
A promoter of accessible tourism both nationally and internationally, she is also the General Manager and founder of the family tour operator Il Viaggio Travel, which she has led for 15 years, and represents Costa Rica in the ISTO Working Group (International Social and Accessible Tourism Organization). She is the creator and driving force behind DONATA, a project focused on social and environmental responsibility, and is a member of the National Committee of the Costa Rican Institute of Technical Standards (INTECO).
Her professional goal is to make every effort to help Costa Rica become a destination for everyone.
She firmly believes that accessibility is not only a right but also the proper path toward a new normal where everyone—residents and visitors alike—can enjoy all spaces on equal terms, across public services, business, employment, and tourism, with full equity and inclusion, free of barriers.
Session:
- BC07 - Coasts for All: Accessibility as a Brand of Identity
BC07 · Coastlines for All: Accessibility as a Hallmark of Identity
Accessibility on the coast is much more than a legal obligation: it is an opportunity to differentiate destinations, attract new audiences, and ensure that everyone can enjoy the coastal experience on equal terms. This round table will bring together municipalities that have been recognized for their good practices and awards in accessibility, along with international trendsetters, to share how inclusion can become a hallmark and competitive advantage.
Through real-life examples, we will analyze how to integrate universal accessibility into beaches, promenades, transportation, cultural offerings, and municipal services, as well as the role these projects play in promoting tourism and social cohesion.