BB Travels Interview with Co-Founder Nina Doowa

Travel has the power to open minds, build bridges, and restore a sense of freedom—but for many in the disability community, it often comes with more barriers than opportunities. That’s where BB Travels steps in. In this exclusive interview, co-founder Nina Doowa shares the deeply personal story behind the company’s origin and how a single accessible van turned into a broader mission to transform the way people with disabilities experience travel in Thailand and beyond.

With heart, determination, and firsthand knowledge of the challenges wheelchair users face, Nina is breaking ground—literally and figuratively—to create travel experiences rooted in dignity, joy, and real access. From humble beginnings to a growing movement, her journey is one of resilience, reimagination, and the unwavering belief that adventure should belong to everyone.

Founding Story & Vision

1. What inspired you to start BB Travels, and how did your personal experience shape its mission?

BB Travels actually began as BB Van, a small, fundraised project with a big purpose—to give people with disabilities living in government homes and underprivileged communities a chance to experience freedom. We used our adapted wheelchair-accessible van to take them out on day trips, to the beach, or simply to places they’d never had the chance to see.

At the time, our mission was simple: to be self-sustaining and help as many people as we could. But as a wheelchair user myself, I understood deeply that this wasn’t just about transport it was about possibility. Every journey opened someone’s world a little more.

2. Can you share a pivotal moment in the early days of BB Van that made you realize this project needed to grow into something more?

We had a website up and running at that time so started getting inquiries about the van from people around the world that were visiting Thailand. It didn’t end there, they kept asking accessibility questions and at that time our knowledge was so little. To answer them we had to research and visit places so we could give accurate information. 

We knew we could do more and we needed to, to be self-sustaining we needed to open more doors. So we slowly and gradually  grew, evolving from a van into a travel company built by and for people with disabilities.

3. What does ‘Breaking barriers’ mean to you personally and how has the meaning evolved overtime?

For me, the word breaking barriers started as a personal  conflict—for basic access, for independence, for the right to travel without constantly thinking “I’m not able to go” . It meant pushing past physical and social limits that the world quietly places on people with disabilities.

But over time, the meaning has grown. Now, it’s not just about my journey, it’s about opening doors for others too. It means challenging outdated mindsets, changing how the travel industry sees accessibility, and proving that inclusion is not just possible but it’s powerful.

Today, breaking barriers means building a future where people with disabilities are not just accommodated, but welcomed, empowered, and expected in every space, especially in travel.

At BB Travels, we hope to accomplish that.

4. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in creating an accessible travel company in Thailand? How did you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges was the lack of reliable, consistent accessibility infrastructure. In Thailand, some places claim to be accessible—but when you arrive, there might be a step at the entrance, a broken lift, or no accessible restroom. It made planning very difficult and risky, especially for travelers who rely on things being truly barrier-free.

Another major challenge was changing perceptions. Many people in the tourism industry had never considered travelers with disabilities as a serious market. We  had to explain—not just once, but many times, why things like ramps, clear pathways, and respectful service matter.

We had to overcome these challenges by doing the hard work ourselves. We try to personally visit, test, and document every location we offer. We built strong relationships with local businesses, trained staff, and try to only partner with those willing to make real changes.

And most importantly, we built trust within the disability community by listening closely and always putting lived experience at the center of our work.It hasn’t always been easy but every barrier we break makes the path smoother for the next traveler.

5. What do most people understand about accessibility and how BB travels helping to change that?

Most people still see accessibility as something basic, like adding a ramp or an elevator. It’s often treated as a checkbox or a special request, rather than an essential part of inclusive design. Many don’t realize that true accessibility means more than just physical access. It’s also about freedom, dignity, and the ability to enjoy travel fully, without stress or compromise, but I do understand it might be difficult to view these emotions.

Through education, advocacy, and well-designed travel experiences, we’re helping shift the mindset from “access when needed” to access for everyone always.

6. How do you ensure that each traveler’s experience goes beyond one minimum standard to provide dignity, freedom and joy ?

At BB Travels, we believe accessibility isn’t just about meeting basic requirements, it’s about creating experiences that empower. We personally vet every destination, hotel, vehicle, and activity to ensure they’re not only physically accessible but also comfortable, safe, and enjoyable.

We take the time to understand each traveler’s unique needs and preferences, then build customized experiences that allow them to move freely, feel respected, and truly enjoy their journey, not just manage it.

From thoughtful planning to local partnerships, we focus on the small details that matter: smooth transfers, flexible itineraries, accessible restrooms, and friendly, trained guides. Our goal is for every traveler to feel the same sense of adventure, spontaneity, and joy as anyone else on the road.

7. Thailand has made great strides in accessibility—what progress have you seen, and what still needs to be done?

Thailand is moving in the right direction. In many cities, we’re seeing more ramps, elevators, accessible public transport, and hotels that are starting to prioritize inclusive design. There’s also a growing awareness, some tour operators and attractions are beginning to think beyond just able-bodied travelers, which is a positive sign.

But accessibility is still uneven. Outside the main tourist areas, many places—especially cultural sites, beaches, and rural attractions—remain difficult or impossible to access. Even in well-known locations, “accessible” often doesn’t mean truly barrier-free, and reliable information is lacking.

What’s really needed now is a stronger national push for universal design or in Thailand we call it friendly design, better staff training, and consistent standards across the board. Accessibility shouldn’t be an afterthought—it should be built in from the start.

That’s why at BB Travels, we’re focused on real, tested experiences that go beyond checkboxes—so travelers with disabilities can explore Thailand with confidence and joy.

I truly thank our friendly design advocate and other businesses that are helping us advocate for this.

Impact Stories

8. Is there a particular traveler or tour experience that has stayed with you or affirmed the importance of your work?

A few of them but one that comes to mind – a customer he traveled with his caregiver to Thailand and he had some sickness  but the fact that he was able to rent a accessible motorcycle side-car which we tried to find for him, currently we only have it in Pattaya at the moment, he was able to go to the local market and the beaches something he has been longing to do. And he writes to me thanking me for making it happen.  Sometimes it sounds like such a simple thing but it makes me happy.

Another story-I just got an email a few days ago asking if I could help with making some arrangements so she could get on the boat and sail to different island and also do some snorkeling she mentioned having some mobility issues she wanted to come for her dream trip before her illness got worse and couldn’t travel- just reading that email already made me excited and reassured that I’m on the right track. I was going to make this trip possible for her even if it means finding alternative ways that we’ve never tried before.

9. How does it feel when a traveler says, “I never thought this was possible for me”?

It fills my heart because I know what it means to be them. I’m sad that sometimes people have to wait for so long, maybe because of fear or risk of certain things making it difficult for them but whenever I hear those words “never thought this was possible for me”’ it makes my day.

Global Perspective

10. What would you say to other countries or tour companies that are just beginning to consider accessibility?

Kudos, it’s never too late to start, each day there is someone new becoming disabled, or growing old. This is a market that needs so much care and attention and if tour operators and travel agencies are able to understand and work on it I truly believe that they are a part of this inclusion and accessibility initiative.

I would like to tell them to continue and try to make it as accessible as they can.

11. What role do empathy and representation play in leadership—especially in disability-led initiatives like yours?

As a co-founder of BB Travels and a wheelchair user myself,  empathy and representation aren’t just part of how I lead, they are the foundation of everything we do.

Empathy means I understand, on a lived level, what it feels like to be excluded from travel experiences, to navigate uncertainty, and to constantly have to plan around barriers. That insight helps me design journeys that feel not only accessible, but truly freeing. It also helps me listen, really listen to the needs and concerns of others in the disability community.

Representation matters just as much. When people see leaders who share their experiences, it changes what they believe is possible. It sends a clear message ‘your story matters, your dreams are valid, and you deserve to be seen, heard, and included’.

In disability led work like ours, empathy and representation aren’t just values, they’re tools for change. They allow us to lead with honesty, create with intention, and build a travel industry that reflects the diversity of the real world.

Vision for the Future

12. What are your hopes for the future of BB Travels? Are there any upcoming projects you’re especially excited about?

My hope is for BB Travels to become a trusted leader in accessible tourism—not just in Thailand, but across Southeast Asia. I want us to create a world where persons with disabilities  no longer have to ask “Can I go there?” but instead get to ask “When do I go?”

One project I’m especially excited about is our accessible group tours, where like-minded travelers can explore together with confidence, comfort, and connection. We’re also working on detailed destination guides and video content that share honest, firsthand reviews of accessible places because reliable information is often the biggest barrier.

Long-term, I dream of offering training programs for local tourism businesses, so accessibility becomes a standard, not a specialty. Everything we’re building is rooted in one goal: giving travelers with disabilities the freedom to explore the world with joy, dignity, and freedom.

13. If you could see one major shift in the global travel industry by 2030, what would it be?

I believe Universal Design is the The Future of Travel”

By 2030, the global travel industry must move beyond minimum compliance. Accessibility and inclusion shouldn’t be optional features, they should be standard.That means universal design seamlessly integrated into every step of the journey: from transportation and accommodations to tours, booking systems, and even the way travel stories are told.

No more “accessible upon request” or “step-free if available.” Every traveler regardless of ability, age, or mobility deserves to be considered from the start.

At BB Travels, we’re not waiting for this shift. We’re building it now.

Personal Reflection

14. What lessons has running BB Travels taught you—about business, community, or even yourself?

I’m extremely grateful I get to run BB travels and it’s a privilege to be able to make things possible. It has its set of challenges but it has taught me most of all patience and to overcome obstacles may it be big or small, to be able to make a successful trip for our travelers there’s a lot that goes into it,  so staying patient and being able to process good and bad feedback so that we can grow is something I really learned to embrace. Being able to answer people’s questions, giving them clarifications and just being a giver is fulfilling.”

Just like the saying Rome wasn’t built in one day, I might not have everything figured out but I’m getting there. BB Travel is not just a business it has taught me that travel is not just a business it is an experience.

15. What message would you give to others with disabilities who dream of exploring the world?

I know most of us just dream or some are even afraid to just dream, because there were told or they felt it was impossible, we’re not exposed or we are not sure what’s out there in the world and even if we are exposed we’re unsure if it’s safe for us, we’re constantly doubting and this stops us from living our full potential life. I just want to tell people out there if you dream that you want to travel make it a reality because it is possible you just have to reach out and ask.

We are extremely lucky to be born in this generation – the generation of possibilities.

You’ll never know how many locked doors you can open until you have knocked.