Accessible travel ‘remains complex and challenging’

Destinations should invest in inclusive infrastructure now or risk being left behind by an increasingly important segment of the global travel market, according to a report on accessibility.

 

It found that almost half (46%) of European travellers with accessibility needs take at least one leisure trip abroad per year yet still face challenges within the travel sector.

 

The Portrait of European Travellers with Mobility & Accessibility Needs report presents findings from five major markets – the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain.

 

It features new research by MMGY Travel Intelligence in partnership with the European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT) and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

 

The study highlights that many travellers with accessibility needs are actively participating in international travel but continue to face a range of “avoidable barriers”.

 

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Irina Tsernjak, MMGY Travel Intelligence senior market research analyst, said: “Despite some progress, international travel for those with accessibility needs remains complex and challenging, calling for continued effort from the industry to tackle these issues by listening to and involving this audience at every stage.”

 

One major challenge lies in the lack of “clear, consistent and standardised” accessibility information across travel and destination websites.

 

The report calls for “more honest, easy-to-find and transparent information” while urging destinations to proactively promote accessible accommodations, itineraries and experiences.

 

More than eight in 10 respondents reported transport challenges during their most recent trip.

 

With air travel, travellers cited long waits for assistance, lack of staff training and incidents of damaged mobility equipment as persistent issues.

 

Meanwhile, many properties omit basic details from their websites, such as step-free access points, lift availability, bathroom accessibility or even clear confirmation that an accessible room has been booked.

 

The financial burden of accessible travel is a growing concern, said the report, with more than 80% of travellers with accessibility needs reporting that they spend at least 10% – and often up to 30% – of their total travel budget on accessibility-related expenses.

 

Poor infrastructure remains a major deterrent too, with destinations lacking features such as step-free paths, ramps, lifts and accessible toilets, making safe and independent travel difficult.

 

The report found more than half (52%) of European travellers with accessibility needs have taken an international multi-day organised group tour or package holiday in the past two years.

 

This figure is expected to rise to 61% in the next two years, “suggesting a strong demand for curated, accessible travel experiences that offer confidence and convenience”.

 

The report concluded: “The opportunity for destinations is clear: Invest in inclusive infrastructure now or risk being left behind by an increasingly important segment of the global travel market.”