Accessible Tourism Gains Momentum in Global Travel

UN Tourism and the European Accessibility Resource Centre (AccessibleEU) have partnered with industry leaders to advance policies, standards, and business strategies that make tourism more inclusive. Their latest report, Advancing Accessible Tourism for Destinations, Companies, and People, highlights 25 best practices from countries including Belgium, France, Greece, Italy, Spain, and the UK. It also explores accessibility improvements in cultural and nature-based tourism, festivals, urban and rural experiences, and transportation.

Launched at FITUR 2025, the report reinforced the trade fair's role as a platform for inclusive tourism dialogue. A special side event, co-hosted by UN Tourism and AccessibleEU, celebrated two decades of progress in accessible tourism with support from the ONCE Foundation, the European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT), and ILUNION Accesibilidad. High-level policymakers from Ecuador, Italy, and Portugal joined accessibility leaders to discuss strategies for advancing inclusion.

Government and tourism boards stressed the need to enhance information and communication on accessibility, strengthen international cooperation, and promote employment for persons with disabilities. They also highlighted the role of innovation and data in raising awareness and attracting investment to the sector.

Private sector players, including the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (WHSA), and major tour operators like Sage Travelling and Holmeswood Coaches, emphasized the importance of harmonizing accessibility standards, leveraging technology for universal marketing, and measuring the impact of inclusive policies.

With collaboration between governments, businesses, and advocacy groups, accessible tourism is gaining ground as an essential pillar of the global travel industry, ensuring more inclusive experiences for millions of travelers worldwide.