“Disabled people spend more and stay longer,” says Richard Thompson, CEO of Inclu. But there’s a twist — they only do if you care enough to make your hotel accessible. Inclusive tourism is the fastest-growing travel market. No wonder why — The World Health Organisation reports that 1.3 billion people experience some form of disability. Do the math: it’s every 6th person.
Yet, traveling is very troublesome for disabled people. More than 70% of travelers with special needs face obstacles in dealing with airlines, airports, cruise lines, and hotels. Are you sure you’re not missing the opportunity to cater to their needs? But, is it worth investing in accessible amenities in the first place?
Continue reading, and you’ll find out.
Why is accessible travel so important?
If you think that people with disabilities don’t travel that often, you are completely wrong. They take leisure trips practically as often as people with no special needs. Mobility issues don’t automatically mean an inability to travel. 70% of those demanding accessibility have the financial and physical ability to do it! In Europe, the potential revenue gain for accessible destinations is projected to reach €88.6 billion by 2025.
Pierre Mazurier from London’s Great Scotland Yard Hotel states that travelers can stay up to 75 nights every year in accessible rooms. His hotel offers 11 rooms specially designed for disabled people with 2 categories and a special design stairlift. Since wheelchair-friendly travel became a thing in 2015, disabled people have spent 339% more on tourism than before.
Another reason to care about accessibility is that 25.6% of households have at least one member with a disability or limitation. 87% of people with disabilities travel with a company, meaning you attract twice as many customers by catering to their needs. Just imagine getting a broader market reach and multiplying your ROI! Now every dollar invested in accessibility in travel seems worth it, isn't it?