Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau Unveils New Accessible Tourism Video

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – The Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau (CACVB) is excited to unveil its most recent tourism video as part of the CACVB’s overarching “Tourism For All” initiative. This effort is aimed at creating an inviting experience for all visitors throughout the destination. The video features Candis Welch, who uses a motorized wheelchair and currently reigns as Ms. Wheelchair California. Ms. Welch’s journey to Charlottesville and Albemarle County was captured by the CACVB and Wheel the World, following the completion of more than 60 accessibility assessments for hospitality and tourism businesses throughout the Charlottesville area. The entities assessed included 25 restaurants, 18 accommodations, 11 attractions, 6 vineyards and the Charlottesville Albemarle Airport. The CACVB is only the second destination management organization in the country to complete these extensive assessments. A landing page
featuring accessible tourism-related businesses in Charlottesville and Albemarle County can be found on Wheel the World’s website.

For Candis Welch, filming this video was a life-altering experience. “Visiting Charlottesville and Albemarle County, Virginia was one of the best experiences of my life,” said Welch. “The hospitality of everyone I engaged with was exceptional and the community made me feel right at home. I can’t wait to return! It only takes one visit for the Charlottesville area to leave an imprint on your heart and soul.” Welch added, “Accessible travel should not be optional, it should be standard. I have traveled to various destinations, including Europe, but the first time I experienced real accessible travel was with Wheel The World in Charlottesville and Albemarle County.”

Wheel the World’s mission is to create accessible travel experiences. Yoel Waisberg, Head of Business Development, first came to Charlottesville and Albemarle County during the winter of 2023 to conduct the destination’s accessibility assessments. “I had the privilege of assessing the accessibility throughout Charlottesville and Albemarle County, a destination I had never been to before, and it was truly a wonderful experience,” said Waisberg. “It was inspiring to not only witness businesses working towards accessibility and inclusion, but to see the greater community working towards the same goal. Together, we are shaping Charlottesville and Albemarle County into a destination where everyone can enjoy a memorable and barrier-free experience."

Waisberg made his second trip to the Charlottesville area to film the video of Welch’s experiences this spring. “Partnering with the Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau on this project has been an incredible experience. Within just a few short days, our teams were able to come together to film content showcasing the region’s attractions and numerous things to do. We’re confident that travelers will be inspired to visit the area and find a multitude of activities that meet their accessibility needs.”

“In Charlottesville and Albemarle County, we believe that travel should be accessible and enjoyable for everyone,” said Brantley Ussery, Director of Marketing & Public Relations for the CACVB. “That’s why we partnered with Wheel the World to make our destination a more accessible and welcoming place for all visitors. Whether enjoying nature on the ADA-accessible Saunders-Monticello Trail, one of our 40+ wineries, our renowned historic sites, or the vibrant pedestrian Downtown Mall, we are excited to share the beauty of our region with everyone through this compelling video.”

In addition to the video featuring Candis Welch, a second video highlights the CACVB’s partnership with Wheel the World and the importance of accessible travel experiences.

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About the Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau

The Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau (CACVB) welcomes thousands of visitors to the region each year from all over the world who are seeking a variety of unique experiences in history, food, wine, spirits and adventure. The CACVB serves as the global resource for marketing the tourism assets of the City of Charlottesville and County of Albemarle, and assists tour operators, meeting planners, and other groups in planning visits to the destination. The CACVB’s mission is to enhance the economic prosperity of the people of the City and County by promoting, selling and marketing the area as a destination, in pursuit of the meetings and tourism markets.


About Wheel the World

Wheel the World is a social enterprise with the goal of empowering people with disabilities to explore the world without limits. Wheel the World’s commitment is to provide detailed information about accessibility and specialized customer support throughout the entire travel experience.