This morning, eTN publisher Juergen T. Steinmetz was saddened to receive an email from Patricia, wife of Scott Rains, about Scott’s passing away on April 30.
“Scott was a visionary and icon, and this is a great loss for tourism and for equal treatment of challenged travelers. He was a true friend of eTurboNews,” said Steinmetz.
A colleague from Nepal, Pankaj Pradhananga, who had worked with Scott in realizing important initiatives in accessible tourism, had this to say:
“It was hard to believe that the life of this charismatic leader in the disability community, a globetrotter, and a warrior of the accessible tourism movement had come to an end.
“My first meeting with Scott (along with Laurent) was at Ed Roberts Campus back in July 2013. This was the meeting that motivated us to take the initiatives for #accessible #Tourism in #Nepal. It was an honor to welcome him to Nepal and travel with him in May 2014. At the end of the trip I [had] found a friend and a mentor in him. He also connected me to many more wonderful friends.
“We are ever grateful [for] his guidance and encouragement to work towards accessible tourism goals.
“Scott, may your soul remain happy in the barrier-FREE new world. Adios amigo!”
Ricardo Shimosakai, Director of Turismo Adaptado also laments his death.
“Scott was an inspiration for me to dedicate myself to accessible tourism. At first it was a mentor and then a partner. The accessible tourism loses a great leader, but in his work, assisted so many had the opportunity to join this segment, and so the fight goes on”
Ricardo Shimosakai, Nelida Barbeito, Scott Rains, Jani Nayar, Joedson Nunes, Craig Grimes and Bruna Mendes in technical visit in Socorro
Source: eTN
