Accessible tourism is gaining momentum as UN Tourism and the European Accessibility Resource Centre (AccessibleEU) lead efforts to promote inclusive travel policies and business strategies.

A new collaborative report, “Advancing Accessible Tourism for Destinations, Companies, and People,” highlights 25 best practices from around the world, demonstrating how governments and businesses are making tourism more accessible for millions of people with disabilities.

This initiative aligns with international commitments to inclusive tourism, as outlined by UN Tourism (UNWTO), the European Commission (EU Tourism Policy), and national accessibility programs supporting travel for all.

Report Highlights and Key Accessibility Insights
The UN Tourism and AccessibleEU report, developed in collaboration with the Government of San Marino, presents real-world examples of accessibility improvements across various tourism sectors, including:

Cultural Tourism – Enhancing museum access, heritage site adaptations, and guided tours for all abilities.
Natural Tourism – Creating wheelchair-friendly hiking trails, adaptive adventure activities, and accessible national parks.
Urban & Rural Tourism – Developing inclusive city navigation systems and ensuring rural tourism destinations meet accessibility standards.
Sports & Events Tourism – Implementing barrier-free facilities for stadiums, festivals, and pilgrimage routes.
Shopping & Transportation – Increasing accessibility in public transit, airports, and retail districts.
The report was officially launched at FITUR 2025, one of the world’s largest international tourism trade fairs, where discussions on accessible tourism trends and policies took center stage.

Industry Leaders Call for Standardized Policies & Investment in Accessibility
During the seminar “Accessible Tourism: Harnessing the Benefits of Inclusive Destinations for Companies and People,” government officials, UN Tourism Member States, and industry experts emphasized the need to:

Improve communication about accessible travel services.
Strengthen transnational cooperation in tourism accessibility policies.
Promote employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities in the tourism sector.
Leverage technology and data to drive public awareness and attract investments.
UN Tourism Affiliate Members, alongside strategic partners such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (WHSA), highlighted the importance of:

Harmonizing global accessibility standards across tourism services.
Implementing universal design principles in hospitality and travel infrastructure.
Utilizing innovation to enhance accessibility and improve the traveler experience.
Measuring the impact of accessibility advancements to drive continued improvements.
A Public-Private Commitment to Inclusive Tourism
The collaboration between governments, international organizations, and private-sector tourism leaders demonstrates a strong commitment to ensuring that travel is accessible to all.

By integrating accessibility into tourism policies, investing in inclusive infrastructure, and promoting best practices, the industry is creating more equitable and enjoyable experiences for travelers with disabilities, aging populations, and all visitors.

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