We were honoured to participate in this year’s Tourism Industry Association of New Brunswick (TIANB) Summit & Gala at the Fredericton Convention Centre.
Our co-owner, Christy Elliott, had the privilege of joining the BELONG: Accessibility in Action panel alongside former guest turned accessibility consultant, Gift Tshuma. Together, they shared the story of how an authentic guest connection led to meaningful accessibility enhancements across our resort, and practical ways tourism operators can ensure both visitors and team members feel truly welcomed and supported.
During the discussion, Gift shared what stood out to him during his first visit to Balsam Ridge Forest Domes as a wheelchair user. He emphasized how impactful it was that his needs were handled simply as standard requests, never treated as “special” accommodations or an inconvenience. He noted how refreshing it was that the team wasn’t afraid of making mistakes, recalling Christy’s welcoming approach: “Let us know along the way what we can do to make your experience as pleasant as possible.”
Christy reflected on that approach, sharing that “the key ingredient of respect is vulnerability,” being willing to admit you don’t have all the answers, letting go of the fear of making mistakes, and committing to continuous learning. She explained that many of Gift’s suggestions were simple to put into practice and quickly became a “win-win-win.” These enhancements not only support guests with mobility needs, but also assist families with young children and make daily routines smoother for cleaning staff.
Accessibility is an ongoing journey at Balsam Ridge. We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Gift for his invaluable guidance and partnership as our consultant. His insights have helped our team grow, deepened our understanding, and allowed us to accommodate and welcome all of our guests with greater care.
Gift and Christy at the BELONG: Accessibility in Action panel
We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with industry peers, share these lessons, and help champion inclusive tourism across New Brunswick.
To learn more about how we welcome guests of all abilities, explore our Accessible Glamping in New Brunswick page.
