Accessible tourism: a growing opportunity

Accessible tourism should not be treated as a minority segment. Globally, 1.3 billion people—around 16% of the world’s population—live with some form of disability, according to the World Health Organization. When we include family members and caregivers, the potential market represents nearly one-third of the global population. These travellers rarely travel alone, multiplying the economic opportunity for destinations and businesses.

Moreover, accessibility is a long-term investment: the same infrastructures that support a person with a disability today will be essential for the wider population as it ages. Almost 50% of people over 60 have some form of disability, making inclusive design a future-proof strategy for the tourism industry.

This approach, recently discussed at the ACAVE industry forum (Corporate Association of Specialised Travel Agencies, based in Spain), reflects a trend that Hosteltur has highlighted in its coverage of the event. Below are some key points from that discussion.

Accessible tourism is emerging as one of the key drivers of transformation within the travel industry. It is no longer perceived solely as a social commitment, but as a genuine opportunity for growth and differentiation, fuelled by an ageing population and travellers seeking more inclusive experiences.  

Experts at the event stressed that moving towards “tourism for all” not only enhances destination quality, but also opens the door to a much broader market—particularly family travel. However, they also pointed out persistent barriers that continue to slow progress:

• Insufficiently adapted facilities
• Lack of accessible information
• Limited training for frontline staff

These gaps highlight the need for a strategic approach that integrates accessibility across the entire travel experience.

One of the strongest messages was that accessibility should be integrated from the design stage—not as an extra cost, but as a competitive advantage. Inclusive design goes beyond compliance: it creates spaces that are intuitive, safe, and welcoming for everyone. When accessibility is embedded early, businesses avoid costly retrofits and gain a reputation for quality and social responsibility. Why it matters:

• Universal design principles: Applying concepts such as step-free access, clear wayfinding, and adaptable spaces ensures usability for all ages and abilities.
• Future-proofing: As populations age, features such as ramps, wide corridors, and tactile signage will become essential for mainstream travellers.
• Enhanced experience: Inclusive environments improve comfort not only for guests but also for staff, reducing stress and increasing efficiency.

Hotels often make errors such as decorative steps at entrances, poor lighting in corridors, inaccessible bathrooms, or concentrating accessible rooms in only one category instead of offering variety across suites and premium options. These oversights undermine the guest experience and can lead to legal risks.

Employing people with disabilities within the sector was strongly encouraged. Their lived experience helps identify barriers that designers might overlook and fosters a culture of empathy. As Maria José Pujol, founder of In&Out Hostel, explained: “Making work easier for employees with different abilities makes it easier for customers too.”

Another critical challenge is the lack of reliable, centralised information on accessible hotels, restaurants, and services. Families often struggle to find trustworthy resources, especially when planning international trips.

The call is for: 

• Universal experiences – for example, hotels offering step-free access to all common areas and rooms.  
• Practical training for customer-facing staff – such as teaching receptionists how to assist guests with mobility or sensory impairments. 
• Clearer regulation on cognitive accessibility – including easy-to-read signage, simplified check-in instructions, and mandatory accessible menus in restaurants (e.g., Braille or digital formats compatible with screen readers for blind customers).