The city of Cadiz, known for its tolerance and diversity, is taking significant steps towards a more inclusive tourism model. A young tourism student, who identifies as autistic, has completed an internship at a local company, Cadizfornia Tours, with the aim of showcasing the capital of Cadiz from a different perspective and raising awareness about neurodiversity.
During his experience, the student learned the intricacies of the trade and found tourism to be a «very inspiring» endeavor. He enjoyed interacting with people and the variety of visitor profiles, conversing with individuals from various nationalities. This opportunity allowed him to rediscover the rich history and culture of his own land, which he confessed to being pleasantly surprised by.
“"I've had very good experiences with tourists. Not all of them are the same, and I think that's precisely what makes it so fun and cool."
The initiative was supported by a professional tourist guide, a graduate in Art History, who highlighted the importance of this collaboration for improving inclusion in tourist routes. The experience has underscored the need for greater social understanding and inclusion, a path in which, according to the student, «society as a whole must actively participate».
The young man emphasizes that autism is not an illness, but «simply a different way of being, thinking, perceiving, and everything». He laments the lack of social understanding and the «language barrier» he often experiences when communicating with neurotypical people, due to the use of sarcasm and double meanings. His main plea is for acceptance and the need for society to take a more active role in integration.
“"The most important part for someone autistic is the understanding of other people."
Although his true passion is dramatic arts and he aspires to be an actor, the tourism experience has been so enriching that he does not rule out a professional future in this sector, demonstrating the versatility and potential of neurodiverse individuals in various professional fields.




