Destinations International and TravelAbility Launch “Accessibility Playbook”

Destinations International (DI), the world’s leading association representing destination organisations and convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs), and TravelAbility, the leading conference and media company dedicated to making travel easier and more enjoyable for people with disabilities and the aging population, today launched the “Accessibility Playbook.”

This comprehensive guide equips destinations and travel businesses to improve their accessibility and inclusion initiatives for travelers with disabilities. 

Accessibility is a significant opportunity for the travel and tourism industry. The World Health Organization estimates that 1.3 billion people, or 16% of the global population, live with disabilities. Leisure and business travelers with disabilities continue to face many barriers related to travel, from initial travel research to visitation. Improved accessibility can make travel easier and better for people of all abilities, as well as benefit residents and local communities. 

Now available online for purchase by DI members, the Accessibility Playbook is a comprehensive resource containing technology recommendations, use-case scenarios, and data to inform accessibility strategy and decision. The Playbook includes more than 90 tips vetted by leading disability advocacy organisations, in addition to “TravelAbility Trusted” innovations, amenities, and a directory of third-party providers that can help destination organisations and travel businesses assess and scale existing accessibility efforts. 

“Accessibility is a critical and growing focus for our members,” said Don Welsh, president and CEO of Destinations International. “It’s important to visitors as well as residents, and a key component of a welcoming and thriving community. We’re delighted to have TravelAbility as our trusted partner in developing this invaluable resource to help destination organisations and travel businesses worldwide advance accessibility in their local communities.”

“This is a win-win for travel organisations and the millions of travelers who can benefit from more accessible and inclusive travel experiences,” said Jake Steinman, founder and CEO of TravelAbility. “TravelAbility is thrilled to partner with Destinations International to advance the cause of accessibility in the travel industry. What excites me the most is that this partnership opens the door to reaching more than 750 destinations worldwide to help them become more inclusive.”