WTTC Issues New Guidelines for Accessible Travel

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) released new guidelines for accessibility and inclusion in the travel and tourism sector. The guidelines focus on four pillars: Developing an Inclusive & Accessible System, Creating Safe Spaces, Designing an Engaging & Relevant System and Exemplifying Inclusion & Accessibility.

Among the recommendations are the following:

Developing an Inclusive & Accessible System

• Consider the creation of a specific role for an accessibility expert
• Collaborate with other businesses in areas where there are gaps in accessibility knowledge, experience and services
• Consider conducting meaningful research with travelers with disabilities whenever possible
• Offer travel products, services and facilities without accessibility barriers for those with physical, cognitive, intellectual or sensory needs
• Avoid making assumptions about a traveler’s disability or their needs
• Provide clear, detailed and accurate information for travelers with disabilities and share the information in a consistent manner across the business
• Provide training to staff on disability awareness and how to support travelers with disabilities, including how to counter unconscious bias or stereotypes

Creating Safe Spaces

• Foster a respectful environment at all locations and for all activities
• Provide clear signage throughout the traveler’s journey for varying physical, cognitive, intellectual and sensory abilities
• Make accessibility decisions using feedback and information obtained from travelers with those disabilities, empowering them to share honest feedback

Designing an Engaging & Relevant System

• Regularly and proactively engage travelers with disabilities in the creation of accessible products and services and obtain their feedback
• Include accessibility features in the booking process
• Consider flexible itineraries for those with disabilities

Exemplifying Inclusion & Accessibility

• Regularly and proactively engage travelers with disabilities in the creation of accessible products and services and obtain their feedback
• Include accessibility features in the booking process
• Consider flexible itineraries for those with disabilities

Although the recommendations are by no means groundbreaking – disability advocates and industry experts have promoted them as best practices for some time – it is valuable to have the principles of accessibility broadcast to a larger audience. At the next TravelAbility Summit event on June 24^th, speakers will expand on these and other topics to help destinations and businesses reach their accessibility potential.

To read more about the WTTC guidelines, see this article from Travel Off Path.