We have all just experienced the spectacular of the Paris Olympic Games and now the Para Olympics are underway. 

It is amazing to watch these athletes with varying degrees of disability compete on the world stage. These athletes are a great example to us all - so how does this affect the travel industry? 

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), one in six people worldwide live with a significant disability. This classification includes not only mobility issues, but a large range of invisible conditions: visual and hearing impairment; cognitive challenges and neurodivergence, such as autism and mental illness. Unfortunately, this is a minority group that every single person in the world, at any moment in life, can join.

Travellers with mobility challenges spend around $58.2 billion per year on travel. They are going on leisure trips with nearly the same frequency as those without mobility issues.

The challenges for this group are very real:

• Transportation – many have had either mobility aid lost or damaged.

• 6 in 10 have experienced extended wait times for mobility assistance at the airport before or after their flight.

• Accommodation – More than 54% have been given a room at check in that did not match the room they booked. 

• 81% have dealt with inaccessible showers or tubs and 52% have encountered beds that were too high for them to access.

When asked how travel destinations can better attract visitors, 8 in 10 travellers cited increased information on accessibility along with accessible lodging options by the destination (Ref MMGY Global – Aug 2022).

There have been some improvements made, like the the Air Carrier Access Act (ACCA). This federal law prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in air travel and requires airlines to provide assistance to passengers with disabilities. This is the case in most countries along with the opportunity to board and get seated before other passengers' board. 

So, while the airline industry is improving, many hotels are also taking strides in this area. There is no doubt that the aesthetic concerns are important when it comes to the the design of hotels and their guest rooms. However, additional parameters should also be considered to make sure the room is well rounded in terms of accessibility and inclusivity. There is no need to compromise the Brand, by making additions for special needs guests. Some suggestion:

• Ensure pathways, corridors and doorways are wide enough to take a wheelchair.

• Ensure non slippery floors, particularly in bathrooms and around major entrances, along with safety rails.

• Ensure adjustable bed heights. This can be accomplished by bed risers or purchasing beds with adjustable height mechanisms.

• Advances in technology to assist with speech or a direct communication between guests and hotels staff. Additionally, guests can access room service and other services with just a few clicks through the digital platform.

• Very importantly staff should be trained in disability training.

Australia recently did a survey on the main purpose of travel, and it is interesting to note that the reason for travel is similar to those travellers that are not disabled. The business travel is marginally higher for non-disabled travellers:

When we actually drilled down on the activities of these travellers, the top activities are social (as in dining out, VFR, clubs and nightclubs, shopping and sightseeing). 

Probably the most interesting of the travel patterns of those travelling with a disability is that they generally travel with others as follow, making this market even more valuable to our industry:

• Travelling alone: 30%

• Travelling with Friends and Relatives: 26%

• Adult Couple: 23%

• Family group – parents and children: 16%

• Business Associated Travelling together: 4%

A lot of work has been undertaken globally by the tourism industry; however, we still have a fair way to go. There is a lot of excellent information online that will assist with this sector of the industry. Not only is this a lucrative market for your business, but you are assisting your fellow travellers by enhancing their journey in experiencing your stunning destination. 

By Denise Scrafton 

Skål International Vice President