The travel sector has been urged not to consider accessibility as an afterthought as research showed how disabled people face paying a £242 premium for travel insurance.
The Valuable 500, global collective of chief executives committed to disability inclusion, claimed the financial penalty of insurance that disabled customers face to go on holiday is another example of how people with disabilities are overlooked and underserved by the travel industry.
Disabled people have to factor in extra costs when planning holidays, and face discriminatory insurance quotes to ensure their needs are covered, new research by the group found.
The survey findings come at a time when the cost-of-living crisis is placing undue pressure on those with disabilities, who already face significant additional costs in their day-to-day lives.
The research also considered other barriers disabled tourists face when travelling. These include a broad range of considerations, including time inequity, digital accessibility, a lack of disabled representation, lack of inclusive design, and lack of knowledge of disability and how to meet the needs of customers with disabilities.
Two in five disabled people face stressful and unsafe situations when travelling due to lack of accessibility. One fifth of disabled people reported feeling unsafe and scared when travelling and one in ten were not able to access a toilet.
As a consequence of this, feelings of embarrassment, isolation and being disregarded were also felt by a quarter of the 1,000 UK based disabled tourists that were surveyed and nearly a quarter (23%) felt ignored.
Caroline Casey, founder of Valuable 500 whose members include Expedia, Airbnb, Heathrow and British Airways, said: “This research adds to a burgeoning list of discrimination that people with disabilities face daily.
“When a hotel, restaurant or transport provider is inaccessible you’re leaving an proportion of business on the table.
“The global spending power of people with disabilities is estimated to be $13 trillion annually, so the business case for the travel industry to put accessibility first, and not as an afterthought is absolutely imperative.
“This can be rectified by putting disabled staff and consumers at the heart of the travel business. If you put inclusive and accessible design at the heart of the business, it not only gives access to the disability market but it’s better for everyone.”
Expedia global disability inclusion vice president Kathy Martinez added: “Travel strengthens connections and broadens horizons, yet historic, physical and societal barriers often limit equitable access to travel.
“Disability is a natural part of the human condition. Everyone should have the right to travel, no matter their ability.
“By collaborating with our vast network of partners on resources like our lodging accessibility guide, we are able to share best practices and work together towards a collective goal to ensure travellers with disabilities are valued and included.”