Driving change for inclusive travel experiences.
ATLANTA – TAMS announce its Advancing Accessibility in Travel Campaign. The campaign emerges from a shared commitment among industry professionals to address the critical need for accessible travel solutions. With a steadfast dedication, the campaign is diligently working towards establishing industry standards that empower individuals with accessibility issues to utilize travel services with confidence and ease.
Originating within a Global Business Travel Association‘s (GBTA) LADDERS team, the campaign’s inception was rooted in a collective desire to advocate for accessibility beyond competitive borders. Recognizing the glaring absence of searchable accessibility features in booking tools, the team, comprised initially of six individuals, resolved to champion this cause from within the industry.
With the support and guidance of the Travel & Meeting Society (TAMS), the campaign discovered a supportive environment that encourages autonomy and inclusivity. What started as a modest team has blossomed into a force of over 30 dedicated volunteers, led by Andrew Slaiby of RTX, representing a spectrum of companies and non-profits. United by personal connections and a shared passion for driving change, these professionals span diverse roles, from buyers and sellers to travel agents, data analysts, HR, and finance experts.
Achievements
- Research: Undertaking a rigorous research initiative, the campaign conducted over 30 interviews with accessibility experts, including representatives from TSA Cares. Insights gleaned from individuals representing 18 disabilities, from physical to cognitive and sensory impairments, have been instrumental in shaping our approach. This valuable information will be made publicly available to ensure transparency and accessibility for all stakeholders.
- Standards: Our mission centers on setting comprehensive accessibility standards for the travel industry. Collaborating with the American Hotel Lodging Association, TAMS introduced 22 lodging Open Travel Alliance (OTA) standards. These address various disabilities, showing our dedication to inclusivity. They’re just the beginning as we continue working with industry suppliers and associations.
The Future
- Leveraging our expansive network to enhance data flow between the travel industry and booking tools.
- Continuing to refine and expand accessibility standards across the travel and meeting sector.
- Sustaining our commitment to ongoing research, ensuring our responses remain robust and informed.
- Cultivating strategic partnerships within the industry to advance our shared accessibility goals.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
