GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (Nov. 14, 2024) – Visit Lauderdale, in collaboration with Wheel the World, announces the release of “Seguimos III: A Blind Traveler’s Experience,” a captivating short video featuring Henry Martinez, a blind influencer and professional surfer.
In this inspiring video, Henry Martinez, a Costa Rica native living in Brazil, embarks on a journey through Greater Fort Lauderdale, where he navigates and enjoys a variety of sensory experiences. From the soothing sounds of the ocean waves at Hollywood Beach to the tantalizing aroma of local Italian cuisine at Louie Bossi’s, Henry's adventure highlights the diverse and inclusive offerings of this vibrant destination.
This video is the final installment in the acclaimed series "Seguimos," which translates to "keep going" in Spanish, celebrating movement, exploration, and inclusivity.
"Greater Fort Lauderdale is committed to being a welcoming and accessible destination for all, and we're proud to showcase our ongoing partnership with Wheel the World,” said Stacy Ritter, president and CEO of Visit Lauderdale. “Accessibility is a priority for us, and we’re continually working to enhance our experiences to ensure everyone can enjoy the diversity and warmth of our community.”
The video captures Henry's unique experiences as he makes new friends, explores parks and nature, and feels the Greater Fort Lauderdale vibe with locals. It also features the area's dynamic LGBT+ scene, further demonstrating the destination's brand promise to welcome Everyone Under the Sun.
“We are committed to being a destination that truly sees you for who you are,” said Richard Gray, Senior Vice President of Inclusion and Accessibility at Visit Lauderdale. “Genuine hospitality embraces diversity and ensures everyone feels welcome. Our focus on accessibility and acceptance allows each visitor to create unforgettable memories and feel at home in Greater Fort Lauderdale.”
Visit Lauderdale's partnership with Wheel the World underscores its dedication to accessibility and inclusion, ensuring that every visitor, regardless of ability, can fully experience the beauty and excitement of Greater Fort Lauderdale. Wheel the World has also worked with Visit Lauderdale to map out accessible hotels, attractions and experiences within the destination to make travel easier for people with disabilities, including those with mobility, hearing, vision, or cognitive disabilities. According to data provided by the TravelAbility Foundation, there are currently 12.7 million disabled travelers in the world. The “Seguimos III: A Blind Traveler’s Experience” video not only showcases the destination’s vibrant culture, but also its unwavering commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all.
"Partnering with Visit Lauderdale to create the first blind destination video in North America has been an inspiring journey,” said Alvaro Silberstein, CEO of Wheel the World. “This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to innovation in travel and accessibility, ensuring that the beauty and unique experiences of Greater Fort Lauderdale are within reach for everyone. By breaking visual barriers, we’re opening new avenues for exploration and showing the world that travel knows no limits."
The video will also be formatted for blind and low-vision viewers, featuring extended scene descriptions and subtitles.
"Seguimos" is more than a series; it is a celebration of movement, exploration, and the boundless opportunities that await every traveler. Through Henry's journey, Visit Lauderdale invites the world to discover the welcoming spirit and inclusive experiences that define this remarkable destination. For more information on accessible experiences in Greater Fort Lauderdale, visit our webpage.
About Greater Fort Lauderdale
With 24 miles of golden sand beaches and 300+ miles of navigable waterways, Greater Fort Lauderdale is known as the Venice of America and Yachting Capital of the World. The area boasts an average year-round temperature of 77˚F, has 3,000+ hours of annual sunshine, and is home to 31 unique municipalities, including eight distinct beach communities, each offering something for “everyone under the sun.” Residents hailing from 170 countries, speaking 147 languages call this diverse destination home. And there’s good reason, including the area’s unwavering commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Upon arrival at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), a five-minute drive will get you to the beach, Port Everglades, the newly expanded Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, and a bustling downtown. Experience 4,000+ eateries, a thriving arts and culture scene, craft breweries, stunning rooftop bars, fishing, diving, and the unmatched beauty of the Florida Everglades. From world-class shopping, to boating, yachts and superyachts all moored at the area’s many marinas, it’s no wonder Greater Fort Lauderdale is one of the most desirable places to stay, work and play. The destination has more than 38,000 unique lodging accommodations at a variety of hotels, luxury spa resorts, and beautifully appointed, boutique properties, all reflecting the area’s cosmopolitan vibe. Find inspiration for your next trip at visitlauderdale.com and follow @VisitLauderdale on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
About Visit Lauderdale
Visit Lauderdale is the official destination marketing organization for Greater Fort Lauderdale and serves as the tourism department for Broward County, Florida. Visit Lauderdale promotes the area’s 31 municipalities to a global audience of leisure and business travelers as the ideal place for Everyone Under the Sun in recognition of the area’s diverse and welcoming vibe, and books conventions into the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center and area hotels and resorts. Find more information at visitlauderdale.com and follow @VisitLauderdale on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.