Bauchi Offers Persons with Disabilities 50% Discount on Tourism, Accommodation

BAUCHI, Nigeria – Persons with disabilities visiting tourist destinations in Bauchi State will receive a 50 per cent discount on entry fees and accommodation under a new initiative aimed at making the state’s tourism facilities more accessible.

The programme, introduced through the Bauchi 360 Tourism Touch-Up Network, will also extend discounted services to one caregiver accompanying each eligible visitor.

The Managing Director of the Bauchi State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC), Muhammad Nasiru Yusuf, announced the initiative on Monday during an interview in Bauchi. He said the programme would also provide free guided excursions for groups of persons with disabilities from schools and associations to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

As part of the initiative, the corporation is upgrading facilities at Yankari Game Reserve, Sumu Wildlife Park and Bauchi lodges to improve access for visitors with different disabilities. The planned modifications include wheelchair-friendly ramps, adapted accommodation and toilets, designated parking spaces and braille information boards. “Conservation without inclusion is incomplete. We are opening Yankari, Sumu and all our tourism assets to everyone, regardless of ability,” Yusuf said.

The corporation is also planning additional support, including transport arrangements for sightseeing and assistance from personnel trained in sign language. Yusuf said the improvements were being introduced in phases, with some facilities already available to visitors.

He urged schools, disability organisations and other interested groups to contact the corporation’s office in Bauchi for information on accessing the programme.

The initiative is expected to reduce some of the financial and physical barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from accessing tourism facilities. However, the corporation did not provide details on the duration of the discount, eligibility requirements, the number of beneficiaries expected or the timeline for completing all planned accessibility upgrades.