Cocky Guides, Australia’s leader in group travel for blind and low-vision Australians, has teamed up with the Travel Industry Mentor Experience (TIME) to introduce the first Inclusive Tourism TIME Scholarship in Australia and New Zealand. This scholarship will allow individuals with a disability or a demonstrated passion for advancing access to travel for persons with a disability to participate in a six-month structured mentoring and peer collaboration program.

The Inclusive Tourism TIME Scholarship is a unique opportunity for ambitious, aspiring leaders of the travel, tourism, hospitality, cruise, and aviation industry to accelerate their careers through mentoring. The program is designed to support the development of industry professionals committed to promoting travel accessibility and creating inclusive experiences.

Cocky Guides Founder James (Buck) McFarlane, a recent graduate of the TIME program, is impressed with the mentor/mentee matching process. The program manager and committee took the time to ensure compatibility, allowing him to learn new business ways and implement successful strategies to improve his business. McFarlane is thrilled that Cocky Guides will fund the TIME program fee for one successful applicant, ensuring that conversations about inclusive travel continue among industry participants.

Penny Spencer, the Chair and Director of TIME commends Cocky Guides for driving change in tourism and opening up new markets in sensory tourism. The Inclusive Tourism TIME Scholarship will allow the successful applicant to undertake the industry-led program and advance inclusive travel outcomes in their workplace.

Applications are now open for the scholarship, and the deadline has been extended to May 22, 2023. Australian and New Zealand employees of the travel industry with a disability or a demonstrated passion for advancing access to travel for persons with a disability are encouraged to apply. The scholarship is a fantastic opportunity to gain invaluable experience and knowledge from industry experts and peers.

The Travel Industry Mentor Experience (TIME) is a not-for-profit organisation that provides a structured mentoring program to aspiring travel, tourism, hospitality, cruise, and aviation leaders. The program is designed to support the development of industry professionals, foster collaboration and networking, and promote best practices in the industry.

Cocky Guides is a travel company that offers unique, immersive travel experiences for blind and low-vision Australians. Their goal is to create inclusive experiences that enable all travellers to explore and discover the world around them.

Inclusive tourism is an essential aspect of the travel industry, and initiatives like the Inclusive Tourism TIME Scholarship are essential to promoting travel accessibility and creating inclusive experiences for all. By supporting industry professionals to develop the skills and knowledge needed to create accessible and inclusive travel experiences, we can ensure that everyone can enjoy the benefits of travel.

To learn more about the Inclusive Tourism TIME Scholarship, the program, and the full criteria, visit www.travelindustrymentor.com.au/time-scholarships/.

Written by:  Stephen Peters

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