TravelAbility Insider

The Intersection of Travel and Disability

Inclusive tourism

Beyond Sight: How Red Sea Global Is Designing Inclusive Experiences for Blind Travelers 

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Red Sea Global (RSG) is the developer behind The Red Sea and AMAALA, two major tourism projects in Saudi Arabia being built with a focus on responsible and mindful tourism. Since announcing its accessibility commitment in 2023, RSG has been working to incorporate inclusive design across the guest experience, from transportation and accommodations to activities, experiences, and excursions.

In a recent experience, Red Sea Global welcomed five travelers who are blind or have visual impairments to The Red Sea for a destination visit focused on exploring how the environment can be experienced beyond sight. Through sensory tours, guided experiences, storytelling, cultural activities, and personal connections, the team brought the destination to life in new ways while gathering valuable feedback directly from travelers.

Watch the video below and read the full article for an in-depth look at how Red Sea Global is creating more inclusive experiences and welcoming blind travelers to explore the destination in new ways.

Experiencing The Red Sea Beyond Sight | Red Sea Global

The first impression of a destination is not always visual. For Noura and her niece Sadeem, it began with a description.

Inside the welcome center at Red Sea International Airport hangs a large spiral sculpture. It shifts constantly, its colors changing in response to wind and ocean data. A member of Red Sea International Airport’s welcome team described its movement, its scale, and its connection to the surrounding environment, painting a vivid picture through words.

This moment set the tone for all that followed.

Red Sea Global recently welcomed five guests with visual impairments, most of them blind, to The Red Sea destination for a four-day visit shaped around experience, exploration, and connection. Abdulaziz, Raneem, Noura, Mohammed, and Mansour arrived with their companions and joined us at Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea. Two of the guests joined through our ongoing collaboration with Team Saudio, reflecting a broader effort to help shape more inclusive tourism and sporting experiences across our destinations.

Their visit formed part of our ongoing commitment to ensure our accessibility offering is as comprehensive and meaningful as possible, reflecting our belief that travel should be inclusive of everyone.

This commitment has been part of our approach from the beginning. Accessibility has not been treated as an after-thought, but as a design principle that influences the full guest journey, from arrival and transportation to experiences, public spaces, and the natural environment itself.

“Accessibility isn’t just about the facilities. It’s about being able to experience the destination in the same way as everyone else. We are committed to creating memories and experiences for people with disabilities that are equitable and inclusive across our resorts.  For these particular activities we wanted to explore how senses other than sight can enhance and enrich an experience. The most important thing is looking at the whole journey – from arrival to the beach, to restaurants, to activities. Every part of that experience needs to work.”

Mark Dyer, Associate Director for Accessibility, Destination Development at Red Sea Global.

Six Senses Southern Dunes, nestled among desert landscapes, was designed to connect guests to nature, culture, and wellbeing. From the moment of arrival, the focus was on creating an environment where guests could move comfortably and confidently through each space.

After settling in, the group gathered at the resort’s cookery school for a hands-on culinary experience led by Saudi chef Afnan Alhawsawi. With Ramadan approaching, the menu reflected familiar traditions. The sounds of preparation filled the space as ingredients were chopped, folded, and shaped.

For Abdulaziz, Mansour, and Mohammed, the evening took an unexpected turn. All three are skilled musicians, with Mansour making it his profession, and as dinner unfolded at Al Sarab Restaurant, they found their way to the instruments. Mansour at the piano, Mohammed at the keyboard, and Abdulaziz singing. Their performance moved effortlessly between Arabic and Western classics, culminating in a powerful rendition of Fly Me To The Moon.

The following morning, the desert became the setting. 

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How a Safari Clarified the TravelAbility Vision

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By Jake Steinman

Jake Steinman and his safari group smiling for a selfie at sunset, with a golden sky and dry savanna landscape behind them.

Stepping into the African savannah for a recent safari to celebrate my birthday, I expected breathtaking landscapes and incredible wildlife. What I didn’t anticipate was returning with profound clarity regarding our mission and the future of accessible travel.

Observing the natural world offers powerful lessons in survival, growth, and connection. Here are the core insights from the wild that are directly shaping our path forward.

The Power of the Pack

During the trip, I observed over 20 different species in their natural habitats. Despite their vast differences, one common thread was this: they all operated within clustered, tight-knit groups. Whether it was a herd banding together to protect their vulnerable young from predators, or a Pride operating as a synchronized team in pursuit of prey, community was their ultimate mechanism for success.

In the wild, isolation is a vulnerability. Progress relies entirely on the strength, coordination and collaboration of the collective.

Cultivating an Accessibility Ecosystem

A Cape buffalo standing partially hidden in dense green bushes, its large curved horns visible above a dirt clearing.

This natural dynamic perfectly reflects the fundamental purpose of TravelAbility. We are actively building and expanding a robust accessibility ecosystem around destination organizations.

The epiphany that I had was that our purpose is to build a community of DMO “A11Ys”—accessibility advocates and leaders who are committed to scaling accessible travel. 

Just as a herd works together to navigate survival, our network functions to overcome industry barriers and advance accessibility with a ripple effect of A11Ys that begins with the destination and scales through hotels, attractions, restaurants and tour companies. 

My definition of an “A11Y” has broadened. It now includes anyone who attends an accessibility breakout session at a conference, responds to a survey, signs up for a webinar, or—most effectively—adds an accessibility page to their website. In other words, an A11Y is anyone who has shown an interest in learning more.

TravelAbility Tampa: Our Watering Hole

TravelAbility Tampa 2026 Summit graphic featuring friends, one a wheelchair user, gathered around a waterfront table, with event dates November 9 to 11 in Tampa, Florida.

Every functioning ecosystem requires a central gathering place—a “watering hole” where different groups converge to share resources, expand networks and learn from not only experts but also from each other.

For our community, the upcoming TravelAbility Summit Tampa is that essential watering hole—a place where like-minded A11Ys gather to connect, learn, and plan. There, we can provide the tools, education, and network they need to expand accessibility across their industry partners’ networks.

Reducing Friction: Integrating Accessibility into Existing Workflow

In the wild, survival strategies aren’t optional—they are seamlessly woven into the pack’s daily rhythm. Animals don’t overthink collaboration; it’s instinctive.

A herd of zebras grazing on dry grassland at sunset, with a tree line and pastel sky in the background.

Similarly, to truly advance accessibility, Travelability must eliminate friction by integrating accessible practices into existing departmental workflows. We’ve been exploring how accessibility fits not only into marketing and PR, but also as a competitive edge for convention sales and destination development. By simply highlighting accessible features in existing attractions and museums, destinations can tap into new markets without needing new construction. When an ally integrates accessibility into someone’s current workflow, securing leadership buy-in becomes much easier.

Two lions resting on the grass at night, illuminated by a spotlight or vehicle light.

Overcoming FOMU

While our Summit brings us together like a watering hole, the real work happens when the herd disperses and continues the journey. That’s where Travelability Tampa attendees come in.

One of the biggest barriers to progress is what accessibility advocate Brittany DeJean calls FOMU: Fear of Messing Up. People often hesitate to act out of fear of making a mistake or offending someone, making inaction feel like the safer choice. However, doing nothing doesn’t just stall progress—it steals the opportunity to learn.

The Travelability Summit creates an ongoing, reverberating community. Attendees become allies who, in turn, recruit others across hotels, attractions, and suppliers. Because every destination operates on different budgets and capacities, this network helps members scale their efforts in practical, sustainable ways. 

Click here to learn more about Travelability Tampa.

As we look toward 2030—when over 30 million baby boomers will live with a disability, impacting tens of millions of family members—one thing is clear: lasting progress in accessible travel is not just possible, it is inevitable.

Is Accessibility The New Differentiator in Travel

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Travel marketing tends to follow a pattern.

One destination finds a way to stand out. Others quickly follow. What begins as a competitive advantage slowly becomes an industry expectation until eventually, travelers stop noticing it altogether.

Years ago, simply offering luxury amenities separated one hotel from another. Then came family-focused tourism. Then experiential travel. Then sustainability.

Accessibility, the  emerging differentiator has the potential to fundamentally reshape the world of travel and who gets to participate.

The destinations recognizing this shift early are already beginning to stand apart.

The Era’s Leading Up to This Moment

For decades, the easiest way for destinations and hotels to distinguish themselves was through exclusivity and amenities.

Five-star service. Marble bathrooms. Infinity pools. Concierge access. Bigger resorts. Better views. More indulgence.

Luxury tourism was the differentiator until competition increased and amenities that once felt elite slowly became standard expectations. Pools, spas, upgraded bedding, room service, and wellness offerings moved from rare perks into common booking filters.

The rise of social media accelerated the shift to the era of experience-based travel. Instagrammable moments became marketing strategy. Walkable downtowns, colorful murals, food halls, boutique stays, and once-hidden local experiences became powerful differentiators.Travelers no longer wanted to simply visit somewhere. They wanted immersion.

Destinations leaned into culinary tourism, adventure travel, cultural festivals, local storytelling, outdoor recreation, and “live like a local” experiences.

At the same time, family travel expanded. Destinations increasingly competed to prove they could welcome multigenerational travelers with children, grandparents, and varying interests.

The emotional tone of travel marketing shifted to become less about prestige and more about connection… until nearly every destination offered authenticity and connection, describing themselves as vibrant, welcoming, immersive, and unforgettable.

The journey to sustainability felt especially meaningful.

Over the last decade, sustainability transformed from niche initiative into one of the most powerful differentiators in travel. Destinations promoted eco-lodges, carbon reduction goals, regenerative tourism campaigns, wildlife preservation, local sourcing, reusable infrastructure, and conservation partnerships.

Hotels removed single-use plastics. Attractions highlighted environmental stewardship. Airlines discussed carbon offsets. Entire tourism campaigns centered around responsible travel.

For a time, sustainability clearly separated forward-thinking brands from competitors.

Then, travelers began expecting it. They stopped staying in places that weren’t sustainable. As spending shifted, sustainability receded from innovation to baseline responsibility.

Whether it’s true or not, most destinations say they care about sustainability.

So, what comes next?

Accessibility Is Emerging as the Next Great Differentiator

Increasingly, the answer appears to be accessibility.

Not because accessibility is new.

Disabled travelers, aging travelers, neurodivergent travelers, families with disabled children, and travelers with temporary or situational disabilities have always existed.

What’s changing is visibility.

For years, accessibility lived mostly in compliance conversations. It was discussed quietly in ADA checklists, legal requirements, and accommodation policies. 

As the voices of disabled travelers gain traction and as the population of aging travelers grows in number, accessibility is moving into public-facing brand identity. 

Destinations are beginning to recognize that accessibility is not just about avoiding exclusion. It’s about actively creating participation.

And participation is powerful.

A sensory room at an airport doesn’t just help autistic travelers. It creates emotional relief for entire families.

An accessible trail doesn’t just benefit wheelchair users. It creates multigenerational outdoor access.

Captioning, quiet spaces, step-free routes, adaptive recreation, audio guides, and inclusive programming often improve experiences for far more people than originally intended.

Accessibility is becoming one of the few remaining ways destinations can visibly demonstrate care.

The Destinations That Will Stand Out

The next generation of destination leaders won’t be the ones with the biggest attractions.

They’ll be the ones asking better questions. 

Can families participate fully? Can disabled travelers navigate confidently? Can aging visitors continue exploring comfortably? Can overwhelmed travelers regulate and rest? Can inclusion be felt immediately upon arrival?

The destinations succeeding in accessibility are no longer treating it as a secondary initiative. They’re building it into infrastructure, staff training, attraction design, transportation, visitor information, and even the way they market themselves publicly.

What’s Next?  Accessibility 2026: A Differentiator; Accessibility 2030: The Price of Entry.

While we cannot predict what the next era will bring, historic trends show us that accessibility will move quickly from the differentiator to the cost of entry. 

For now, destinations are working to create accessible spaces that enable participation, scrambling to meet the needs of the largest underserved travel market in the world. 

Populations are aging. Mobility needs are increasing. Neurodivergent awareness is growing. Travelers are becoming more vocal about sensory needs, fatigue, chronic illness, and inclusive design. The destinations investing now are not preparing for a niche audience. They are preparing for the future of travel.

Visit Mesa Launches Food Inclusivity Program Removing One of the Greatest Barriers in Accessible Travel

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With the mission to become one of the most accessible states in the U.S., there’s always something new coming from Mesa, Arizona. In this article, Alison Brooks shares about the latest initiatives that are changing the approach to inclusion in travel.

Food as the Overlooked Barrier in Accessible Travel

Food safety is often overlooked in conversations about accessibility, but it should not be. Food allergies affect an estimated 32 million Americans, including millions of children. Even if it is not something you personally experience, it is highly likely that someone you are traveling with does.

When you think about accessibility holistically, it is not just about physical infrastructure or sensory considerations. It is about whether someone can fully participate in the experience. If a visitor does not feel safe eating in your destination, that limits their ability to engage, explore, and enjoy their stay.

This is why food inclusivity matters. It is fundamental, not optional.

Introducing the Food Inclusivity Program

Visit Mesa’s food inclusivity program is a natural evolution of the work we’ve already been leading in accessibility. 

As the first Autism Certified City in the country and the first destination verified by Wheel the World, we’ve spent years building a foundation that prioritizes inclusion across the full visitor experience. That includes initiatives like Aira for blind and low-vision individuals and adoption of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program across the city.

As we evaluated the full travel journey, one gap became very clear: food. No matter who you are or how you travel, everyone has to eat. For visitors with food allergies, sensitivities, or dietary restrictions, that part of the experience can create anxiety and uncertainty, often limiting where they feel comfortable going.

Our food inclusivity program was designed to address that gap directly. At its core, it focuses on education, preparedness, and awareness across the hospitality community. In partnership with the Kyah Rayne Foundation, we are providing free, on-demand food allergen certification training for anyone who comes into contact with food, whether at a hotel, restaurant, or attraction. The goal is to ensure staff understand common allergens and, just as importantly, know how to respond in the event of an emergency.

This initiative is about creating an environment where visitors can feel more confident and supported, knowing that the destination has taken intentional steps to prioritize their safety and comfort.

If You Build It…

Building it is not enough. In order to draw visitors, guests need to know that the measures in place are real, ongoing, and widely adopted across the destination. Building trust starts with consistency and transparency.

For us, that means continuing to actively communicate this initiative, both through our marketing efforts and through direct engagement with our partners. It is not a one-time effort. We are regularly reconnecting with businesses to reinforce the importance of food safety, refresh training, and encourage best practices.

Simple but meaningful steps, such as clearly labeling food at buffets, adding allergen and dietary information to menus, and making that information easily accessible on websites.

That includes simple but meaningful steps, such as clearly labeling food at buffets, adding allergen and dietary information to menus, and making that information easily accessible on websites. These actions help visitors make informed decisions before they even arrive.

Equally important is the partnership itself. This only works if our hospitality community is engaged and committed. Over time, that consistency helps build confidence.

It is also important to acknowledge that no system is ever perfect. However, as we move into the next phase of the program, adding tools like EpiPens on-site provides an additional layer of reassurance that safety has been thoughtfully considered.

Imitation is the Highest Form of Flattery

Our hope is that this initiative does not remain unique to Mesa. It should be adopted, adapted, and improved by destinations everywhere. Creating safer, more inclusive environments benefits not just visitors, but entire communities.

The initiative is structured in phases to allow for both immediate impact and long-term growth.

Phase one, which is currently underway, focuses on education. Through our partnership with the Kyah Rayne Foundation, we are offering free, on-demand allergen awareness and safety certification to our hospitality partners. This ensures a consistent baseline of knowledge across the destination.

Phase two expands into preparedness. Working with the Mesa for All Foundation, a community-led nonprofit that grew out of Visit Mesa’s accessibility efforts, we plan to help equip participating establishments with EpiPens. This adds a critical layer of safety and responsiveness in the event of a severe allergic reaction.

Phase three broadens the scope of inclusivity beyond allergens. This includes integrating training around food sensitivities, cultural and religious dietary considerations, and overall awareness that supports a wider range of visitor needs.

For destinations looking to follow a similar path, the starting point is partnership. The Kyah Rayne Foundation operates nationally and provides a strong framework for training and certification. Engaging a partner like that, and then aligning your local hospitality community around a shared goal, is the most effective way to begin building momentum.

For destinations looking to follow a similar path, the starting point is partnership.

Up Next for Mesa

We recently hosted Dani from Love on the Spectrum, which was an exciting opportunity to have someone with a large and engaged audience experience Mesa and share our accessibility efforts with their followers. Moments like that help amplify the work in a very authentic way.

We also signed a four-year agreement to host the National Wheelchair Basketball Association Championships at the Arizona Athletic Grounds. This is a significant opportunity to collaborate with partners like Wheel the World and others to ensure the experience is seamless from the moment athletes begin planning their trip to the time they are on the court competing. It is about removing friction at every stage and creating an environment where people feel welcomed and supported.

At the same time, the work does not stop with new initiatives or major events. A key focus moving forward is continuing to refine what we have built and making sure people are aware of it. That includes not only visitors, but also the residents and businesses who bring these experiences to life. One cannot succeed without the other.

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