The International Trade Administration (ITA) has announced a significant new strategic partnership with TravelAbility, aimed at promoting inclusive and accessible tourism experiences. This collaboration is a vital step forward in advancing the goals outlined in the National Travel and Tourism Strategy.
A Commitment to Inclusive Tourism
This partnership highlights the ITA’s dedication to fostering a vibrant and sustainable travel industry that benefits everyone. Through a series of joint events, webinars, outreach initiatives, and training programs, ITA and TravelAbility will empower industry stakeholders to adopt accessibility initiatives. This effort is expected to unlock new opportunities to attract international travelers and increase spending in the United States.
“Accessibility is a critical component of a competitive travel and tourism industry,” stated Brian Beall, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism at ITA. “This partnership with TravelAbility reflects our shared vision of ensuring the U.S. is a welcoming destination for travelers of all abilities while contributing to economic growth and job creation.”
Enhancing Travel Experiences for All
TravelAbility brings its expertise to the table, assisting travel organizations in seamlessly integrating accessibility into product development, visitor services, and marketing efforts. This is particularly important as approximately 1 in 6 travelers has a disability, and improving their experiences can significantly contribute to tourism growth.
Jake Steinman, founder and CEO of TravelAbility, emphasized the progress made in the U.S. regarding accessibility: “Although the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is not perfect, its 35 years of implementation have made the United States the most reliably accessible destination in the world. While many other countries have only recently introduced their own disability laws, every new or renovated hotel, attraction, restaurant, and museum in the U.S. since 1990 is designed to be accessible.”
Driving Economic Growth
Since the launch of the National Travel and Tourism Strategy in 2022, ITA’s National Travel and Tourism Office has collaborated with various federal agencies to implement initiatives that create American jobs and stimulate economic growth through travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation. The United States is on track to meet a key goal of welcoming 90 million international visitors, who are projected to spend $279 billion annually, by 2026—one year earlier than anticipated.
ITA’s Strategic Partnership Program aims to leverage the efforts of trade associations, chambers of commerce, educational institutions, and other organizations to further ITA’s mission of supporting the international competitiveness of U.S. industry and promoting U.S. exports, including travel and tourism goods and services.
About the Organizations
International Trade Administration (ITA)
The ITA, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, serves as the premier government resource for American companies competing in the global marketplace. With operations in over 100 U.S. locations and 80 markets worldwide, ITA promotes trade and investment, assists U.S. businesses in exporting and expanding globally, and ensures fair trade by enforcing U.S. trade laws and agreements. For more information, visit [www.trade.gov]
TravelAbility
TravelAbility is a pioneering organization dedicated to enhancing travel experiences for individuals with disabilities. The organization aims to create a world where everyone can explore and enjoy travel without barriers. By raising awareness and fostering partnerships within the travel industry, TravelAbility is committed to making travel a more inclusive experience for all.
This partnership between ITA and TravelAbility marks a significant advancement in the travel and tourism sector, ensuring that accessibility becomes a fundamental aspect of the industry, ultimately benefiting travelers of all abilities.
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