The “Global Accessibility Report” by City Destinations Alliance and Destinations International highlights global efforts in making travel accessible, emphasizing ethical tourism and economic benefits.
City Destinations Alliance (CityDNA), the alliance of tourist boards, convention bureaux and destination management organisations in Europe and Destinations International (DI), leading association representing destination organisations and convention and visitors bureaux (CVBs) worldwide, issued the “Global Accessibility Report”, a collaborative research effort offering a foundational understanding of the global initiatives around accessibility. The report was released at the GDS-Forum & CityDNA Autumn Conference 2024 in Bruges, Belgium.
Global accessibility is essential to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of physical, sensory, cognitive, or unseen disabilities, have equal opportunities to experience the world through travel. With a global disabled population of 16% (1.85 billion people), investing in accessibility is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity for destinations and a source of economic impact.
UN Tourism defines accessibility to facilities, products and services as a core component of any responsible and sustainable tourism policy. Through accessible tourism, destinations can empower people with disabilities to travel independently and confidently, providing them with seamless, safe and enriching experiences. Prioritising accessibility also showcases a destination’s commitment to ethical tourism and human rights and reinforces the travel and tourism industry as socially responsible and forward-thinking.
The Global Accessibility Report shares insights from a survey fielded in early 2024 of 92 destinations. 65% of respondents represent destination marketing organisations; 63% were in Europe and 25% in North America. The report has three primary objectives: to understand the challenges and opportunities in creating inclusive environments that benefit everyone; to assess the state of destination accessibility; to identify gaps and highlight innovative practices that foster more welcoming and inclusive spaces; and to inspire and motivate organisations to improve accessibility for residents and visitors of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.
“Accessibility matters not only to visitors but also to local communities, and destination organisations are starting to recognise the significance of providing inclusive facilities, products, and services for everyone,” said Sophia Hyder Hock, DI Chief Inclusion Officer. “It’s not just a key factor for a thriving destination – it’s the ethical choice. We hope this report will help the tourism industry advance this critical effort.”
“Ensuring accessibility is more than just meeting regulations – it’s about creating meaningful, inclusive experiences for all visitors. City Destinations Alliance is proud to collaborate on this important research, providing our members with insights and tools to lead the way in building destinations where everyone feels welcome and empowered to explore,” said Barbara Jamison-Woods, President of City Destinations Alliance.
The Global Accessibility Report serves as a catalyst for destinations to evolve their strategies and shape a more inclusive future for tourism. DI and CityDNA encourage destination organisations, convention and visitors bureaux, and regional and national tourism bureaux to reflect on their current accessibility practices and use the report’s insights to implement changes that support this growth opportunity and greater belonging. Additionally, industry stakeholders, funding agencies, subject matter experts and advocacy groups can leverage these insights to support destinations and contribute to collective progress. The report provides a roadmap for enhancing inclusivity, ultimately creating more equitable tourism experiences for all.
Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
