An inspiring travel business story crosses our desks here at ABTN.
With just 5% of his eyesight remaining, Amar Latif decided that disability was not going to be a hindrance to an entrepreneurial spirit and set up Traveleyes ” a commercial tour operator providing independent travel for the visually impaired, involving both sighted and blind people travelling together.
And Latif has been shortlisted among six finalists for the first Stelios Disabled Entrepreneur Award, run by the Leonard Cheshire Disability charity, in a partnership with Sir Stelios from easyJet fame and which is worth a cool ”50,000.
”It's an honour even to be short-listed,” said Latif. ”If I was to be fortunate enough to win, the ”50,000 would be used to expand the Traveleyes service onto a wholly international basis, enabling us to serve our blind and sighted travellers who are resident outside of the UK.
"But regardless of who wins, the great thing is that this Stelios Award is raising the profile of important issues that affect all people with disabilities.”
Noting that 50% of disabled people were out of work, Sir Stelios added: "I am very passionate about encouraging an enterprising spirit and decided to work with Leonard Cheshire Disability to set up this Award.
”I have been impressed with the six short-listed entrepreneurs and look forward to handing over this significant amount of money to a very deserving winner."
Not only is Amar a real trooper, he has refused to accept standard views of disability and rolled up his sleeves to make a difference.
Anyone in doubt of where his determination comes from, should just take a look at the picture above and er, the size of the ”cubs”” paws. Amar is planning a trip to Cape Town where travellers would be able to walk with lions. And is that a submerged croc, bottom right that is attracting the lions” attention?