Imagine the joy of exploring a new city, tasting unfamiliar cuisine, or experiencing a different culture. Accessible travel makes these dreams possible for people with disabilities and all of us as we get older. Ramps, elevators, and adapted vehicles turn challenging trips into smooth adventures, while clear signage, braille guides, and audio descriptions open up the world for those of us with visual or auditory challenges. 

Beyond personal enjoyment, accessible travel builds an inclusive society. It ensures that as we age or face disabilities, we can still join social activities, attend family gatherings, or go on solo adventures. Making travel accessible shows respect for the rights and needs of all community members.  

So who is doing something about this? In 2021, the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) took the lead in creating international standards for accessible tourism, setting guidelines for policy, infrastructure, and services. Meanwhile, the World Travel & Tourism Council’s “Inclusive and Accessible Travel Guidelines” emphasise the importance of inclusive systems and welcoming environments. These efforts highlight the role of innovation in ensuring that travel becomes truly accessible for everyone.  

If inclusivity isn’t convincing enough, let’s consider the economics. Accessible travel isn’t just a niche market—it’s a growing sector with significant economic benefits. In the US alone, a 2020 study showed that 27 million travelers with disabilities took 81 million trips, spending $58.7 billion in 2018-19, up from $34.6 billion in 2015. Similar studies from England, Australia, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Tourism Working Group confirm this trend worldwide.  

The travel industry, stands to gain enormously by embracing accessibility. Opening up destinations to everyone not only attracts a broader range of visitors but also taps into a growing demographic. With over a billion people worldwide experiencing some form of disability and the number of older people set to rise significantly, catering to these groups is not just inclusive—it’s economically savvy. 

Several companies are leading the way in accessible travel, making it easier for travellers with disabilities to explore the world.  Here are a few examples that have caught This Curious Life’s eye: 

Airbnb: Airbnb provides detailed accessibility features for hosts, such as step-free access and accessible bathrooms, broadening accommodation options for disabled travelers. 

Wheel the World: This American tour operator specializes in inclusive group trips, ensuring that travelers of all abilities can participate in experiences together. 

AccessNow and Sociability: These travel apps help users find accessible routes, ramps, and spaces worldwide, empowering disabled travelers to plan their trips more effectively. 

Scandic Hotels: As the largest Nordic hotel operator, Scandic has set a high benchmark in accessibility. Their efforts have been globally recognised, including winning the UN awards.  

Aira: Aira offers real-time visual interpretation services for people who are blind or have low vision, using smart glasses or smartphones to connect users with remote real people who assist with navigation and describe surroundings. 

Hotel Brooklyn, Manchester: Hotel Brooklyn in Manchester exemplifies the social and economic benefits of accessibility. Its accessible rooms, known as Liberty Suites, brought in over £200,000 in additional revenue in their first year. This demonstrates the clear advantage of inclusive design in today’s hospitality industry. 

These companies are not only improving accessibility but also setting a positive example of how inclusivity can be both socially beneficial and economically viable. 

Despite the progress, the journey toward fully accessible travel is far from over. Innovation is key. Accessible travel offers more than just convenience—it transforms lives. By making travel inclusive, we enhance the quality of life for people of all ages and abilities while driving significant economic growth. The travel and tourism industry, local communities, and businesses all stand to gain from embracing travellers with diverse needs. As we move toward a more inclusive world, accessible travel is not just a necessity, it is an opportunity for innovation, economic development, and social enrichment. Investing in accessibility ensures that everyone can enjoy the transformative power of travel, fostering a more inclusive and prosperous society for all.