The UK’s most renowned experts in accessible and inclusive hospitality have unveiled Inclu, a pioneering new brand designed to revolutionize the travel industry. With a comprehensive suite of products and services aimed at facilitating travel for all, Inclu’s vision is to create a world where accessibility is the norm, not the exception. Their impactful strapline, “It means the world. To everyone,” underscores the brand’s commitment to inclusivity and equal access to travel experiences.

Inclu goes beyond being a specialist accessible travel company—it aims to ignite widespread change across the entire hospitality sector. From hotels and restaurants to travel providers, agents, and service suppliers, Inclu is committed to reshaping how customers experience and book travel. The brand’s influence is expected to create a profound transformation in the travel industry by placing inclusive practices at the forefront of every guest interaction.

The Business Case for Inclusive Travel

Inclusive travel isn’t just a moral necessity—it’s a sound business opportunity. According to the World Health Organization, over 1.3 billion people, or 15-20% of the global population, experience some form of disability. This community, along with their families and friends, represents a staggering estimated spending power of USD 13 trillion. In the UK alone, an estimated 16 million disabled people* contribute to a thriving market known as the “purple pound.” The combined spending power of households with at least one disabled person totals approximately £274 billion per year***, making inclusivity not only a social responsibility but a key driver of economic growth.

As Thompson explains, “an organisation’s capacity to welcome and delight disabled guests is overwhelmingly determined by its provision of an impeccable, personalised and consciously inclusive service delivered by an aware, empowered and confident workforce, facilitating access to the full range of amenities and experiences that it has to offer.”

Richard Thompson’s Vision for Travel

Inclu’s creation is driven by CEO and cofounder Richard Thompson, a spinal cord injury survivor and a leading advocate for total guest inclusion in the global travel and hospitality industries. For decades, Thompson has been at the forefront of efforts to create accessible travel opportunities for individuals with physical, sensory, neuro-divergent, or other visible or non-visible exceptionalities. His experience and expertise have positioned him as a passionate champion for change in the travel sector.

Thompson, along with cofounder and web accessibility trailblazer Ian Carter, has assembled an exceptional leadership team. With professionals like Alison Pearson, Head of Travel Services, and Namai Bishop, founder of LuxePrivé, Inclu’s leadership team combines decades of experience in travel, technology, and education. This powerhouse team has developed a comprehensive ecosystem designed to make travel more accessible and empowering for all people, regardless of their abilities.

Introducing Inclu’s B2C Products

At its launch, Inclu is introducing several new products aimed directly at consumers (B2C). These include concierge-led, bespoke platforms for discovering inclusive hotels and restaurants. Inclusive Luxury Hotels and Inclusive Luxury Table are the first brands in a series of initiatives set to roll out through 2025. Both platforms exclusively feature accommodations and dining options that have undergone a rigorous, five-step process to become Verified by IncluCare. This expert-led evaluation and educational program is designed to empower hospitality providers to create inclusive environments for all guests.

IncluCare Accreditation: The Standard for Inclusivity

The Verified by IncluCare accreditation, established in 2022, is the cornerstone of Inclu’s commitment to accessibility. This prestigious certification is awarded to hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality venues that meet IncluCare’s high standards of inclusivity. To receive the accreditation, venues must implement a curated program that educates leadership and staff on how to create a culture of inclusivity for guests with mobility, sensory, and neurodivergent exceptionalities.

A key component of this accreditation is ensuring that accessible rooms are visible, bookable, and confirmed during the booking process—an essential step in a travel landscape where Inclu estimates approximately USD 1.5 billion worth of inaccessible room inventory remains unsold and invisible each year****. This change marks a significant breakthrough in making accessible travel options more readily available and visible to travelers with disabilities.

Inclu Academy and Consulting: Empowering the Industry

Inclu has also launched Inclu Academy, a comprehensive suite of training programs tailored for the luxury travel supply chain, including independent contractors (ICs), destination management companies (DMCs), and tour operators. This initiative aims to provide the tools and knowledge necessary for these organizations to better serve travelers with disabilities.

Additionally, Inclu Consulting offers strategic solutions to the hospitality and travel trade. Drawing on over 50 years of collective industry expertise, Inclu Consulting supports businesses in developing inclusive practices and navigating the complexities of accessibility within the travel and hospitality sectors.

A Game-Changer for Travel Accessibility

Inclu’s vision and innovative solutions are poised to change the way the travel industry approaches inclusivity. With a focus on accessibility, training, and a commitment to the visibility of accessible options, Inclu is setting the stage for a more inclusive future in global tourism. As the brand continues to expand its reach and influence, it is clear that the push for total guest inclusion is not just a trend—it’s a fundamental shift in the travel landscape.

By making travel accessible for everyone, Inclu is not just improving the lives of travelers with disabilities; they are reshaping the future of the global tourism industry for all.

“Inclu is the culmination of nearly three decades of endeavour and expertise in removing barriers to travel freedoms, equality and inclusion for disabled people across the globe.” continued Thompson. “Until now, options within the accessible and inclusive travel sector have been way too limited; isolated pockets of inclusivity excellence that occasionally capture attention. We created Inclu to shift perceptions and shine a light on what is possible when established adventure meets adaptive innovation. When trusted, tried and tested tours of the mind, spirit and body are formed to wow and delight the one sixth of the world’s population who live with physical, sensory and neurodivergent exceptionalities – many of whom will surely dare to venture into a world of intrepid inclusion in travel, if only we give them, authentically, the confidence to do so.”

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