This month, Leisure Group Travel reached out to several tourism leaders who are working to make the world more accessible for disabled travelers. They offer valuable advice to destinations on how to be more inclusive and share their thoughts on what the future holds for accessible travel. LGT also interviewed Jake Steinman, the founder of TravelAbility. The issue covers barrier free destinations and highlights the people who are paving the way for an accessible future.
Baby Boomer Travel
How do Hotel Owners and Senior Leaders Really Feel about Accessibility?
Each year, the TravelAbility Summit brings together travel professionals, entrepreneurs, and disability advocates to explore emerging trends, challenges, and solutions in making travel more accessible for all. Last year’s summit included a panel of hotel leaders who discussed their experiences and perspectives on accessibility in hotels, emphasizing its importance and the industry’s challenges in implementing inclusive practices.
Check out the panel’s key takeaways below and click the YouTube link to rewatch the session. Looking to learn more? Don’t miss the 2025 TravelAbility Summit, happening at the beautiful Sunriver Resort in Central Oregon, October 13-15, 2025. This is a unique opportunity to engage with key players from the hospitality industry, travel sector, and disability space—all focused on making travel more accessible for everyone.
Learn more and register today at travelability.net.
- 💰 Business Impact & Litigation Concerns – Many hotel owners cite fear of litigation as a major barrier to improving accessibility, with examples of lawsuits impacting the industry financially and influencing decision-making.
- 🌏 Global Accessibility Perspectives – Insights on accessibility from different regions, including Taiwan and Europe, highlight varying degrees of inclusivity, with some newer hotels being more accessible than older establishments.
- 👥 Personal Experiences with Accessibility – Several panelists share personal stories about their connections to individuals with disabilities, reinforcing the importance of improving accessibility in hotels.
- 📊 The Growing Market for Accessible Travel – Data shows that the demand for accessible travel is increasing, with baby boomers aging and requiring more accommodations, creating a business case for prioritizing accessibility.
- 🔧 Affordable Solutions for Accessibility – Simple and cost-effective modifications, such as adding shower chairs and adjusting door mechanisms, can significantly improve the guest experience for individuals with disabilities.
- 🎓 Staff Training & Hospitality Mindset – Proper training for hotel staff on accessibility issues is crucial in ensuring a welcoming environment, with examples of how small gestures and proactive communication can enhance guest experiences.
🔢 Insights Based on Numbers
- 26% of the population has a disability, but the figure drops to 15% when excluding minor impairments.
- In 2019, 12.7 million travelers with disabilities took 81 million trips, spending $58.7 billion.
- Baby boomers are aging, with 40% identifying as having a disability by age 65, increasing demand for accessible accommodations.
- Insurance costs have risen by 256% since 2019, adding financial pressure on hotel operations.
Watch the full video here.
“Slow Travel”:Decelerating the Pace of Travel for the Over 50+ Set?
Inspired by the slow food movement that began in Italy in the 1980s as a reaction to the proliferation of fast-food restaurants, slow travel started, well, slowly. It has accelerated significantly since the COVID pandemic turned travel upside down and Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne, the world’s first hotel school, expects it to grow 10% per year.
Slow travel emphasizes staying in one place long enough to personally connect with the local people, culture, food and even music. While purists advocate avoiding touristy spots in favor of locations more off the beaten path, there are no hard and fast rules. You decide where, how, and for what period to apply these basic principles . . . Read more.
Our Takeaway: The growth in Slow Travel makes perfect sense as the population ages. Longer stays in a singular location require less logistical planning and can be way more relaxing than the “if It’s Tuesday This Must Be Belgium” style of travel.
Boomers are Booming. Are We Ready?
As the world’s population is growing older, the tourism industry will have to adjust, meaning that tourism should be more accessible and inclusive for this category of travellers. Specifically, segments in the tourism sector should adapt and offer more pleasant experiences for this demographic that will soon become the leading group. Adapting, according to Kelly Torrens, the vice president for Kensington Tours, could include more breaks, slower walks, offering assistance for different activities and selecting less difficult terrains, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
Our Takeaway: Destinations that ignore this market will lose market share to destinations and experiences that proactively prepare to serve this booming demographic.
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