SeaLink Marine & Tourism’s Red Cat Adventures and Whitsunday Jetski Tours operations in Australia are enhancing accessibility for all guests, especially those with accessibility needs, on their tours.
This initiative underscores SeaLink’s commitment to inclusivity, ensuring every traveller can enjoy exploring the Great Barrier Reef, without barriers.
Red Cat Adventures operates snorkelling tours from Airlie Beach and Mackay, taking guests to explore the vibrant marine life of the Great Barrier Reef. The Wildcat vessel is now equipped with wheelchair-friendly features, including tie-down points, to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers.
Whitsunday Jetski Tours operates two half-day tours daily from the Coral Sea Marina, South Village – the Airlie Adventure (1.5-hour jet ski tour) and the Two Island Safari (two-hour jet ski tour). Guests can drive their own jet ski out to view the Whitsunday Islands from the protection of the coastline, exploring Airlie’s bays, islands, and enjoying some turtle spotting.
Key enhancements to both services include the wheelchair-friendly Wildcat vessel, which features secure tie-down points and spacious areas; accessibility features, which are clearly provided to guests with disabilities so they can make informed decisions about their adventure; a dedicated accessibility page on the website that outlines the specific accommodation offered and provides guidance on how to make the most of available services; marked accessible tours so guests can easily find and select tours that meet their requirements; and training all staff so they can assist guests with varying needs.
In addition, SeaLink Whitsundays, Red Cat Adventures and Whitsundays Jetski Tours are all Ecotourism Australia’s Advanced ECO certified, reflecting their ongoing commitment to responsible tourism and the preservation of the Whitsundays.
Red Cat Adventures and Whitsunday Jetski Tours recently hosted five carers and 14 clients from the Endeavour Foundation on board Wildcat for a sightseeing trip around Airlie Beach – they also explored the Whitsunday waterways with Whitsunday Jetski Tours.
Red Cat Adventures’ owner Julie Telford said: “We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Our commitment to accessibility is reflected in the enhancements we’ve made to our vessel and the information we provide our guests.
“We are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where all guests can enjoy a holiday to beautiful Whitsundays, including snorkelling and jet ski adventures.”
In recent years, Fehlinger has been co-managing director of Lufthansa Cityline and managing director of the new airline Lufthansa City Airlines.
With a career spanning over 20 years in the hospitality industry, Larsen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from across Greater China, Japan, Vietnam and Europe to his new role.
Based in Seoul, South Korea, he will be responsible for over 70 operating properties across 16 brands in South Korea, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
Back for its second year, SOUL Festival has unveiled its programme for 2024’s event, which takes place from October 9 to 13 at Soneva Fushi in the Maldives.
The health and wellness festival will feature insightful talks and guided wellness sessions led by a diverse line-up of international visionaries, thought leaders and wellness pioneers. It will provide a platform for discussion and discovery into the Future of Wellness, complemented by music, art and culture alongside wholesome, nourishing dining.
SOUL Festival attendees can explore rare experiences in nature, enjoy complimentary access to healthy ice cream and organic chocolate rooms, discover integrative medicine treatments and wellness rituals. The festival will also boast one of the largest children’s zones in the region.
Each day begins with grounding and moving sessions on the beach located within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives. Attendees are then invited to explore and learn more about wellness through talks, discussions, dining experiences and hands-on activities such as breath work, ice baths and more.
SOUL Festival also presents barefoot celebrations, starlit film screenings and live entertainment alongside dining at Soneva Fushi’s restaurants, complemented by a special picnic lunch on Mendhoo Island and a farewell food journey designed to celebrate diverse flavours and stories.
Soneva Fushi co-founder and CEO Sonu Shivdasani shared: “This festival is truly transformative and will delve into the future of wellness in all its forms while fostering deeper connections through enlightening sessions and discussions.”
“SOUL Festival not only presents the rare opportunity to hear and learn from global health and wellness leaders but also puts words to practice with a series of extraordinary experiences designed to ensure guests nurture their mind, body and spirit over five days,” added festival director Chris Deckker.