Responsible Travel urges companies to back accessible trips

 

The poll found more than one in three people (35%) report having one or more long-term health conditions, illnesses or impairments, with a further 6% identifying as an unpaid caregiver and/or regular travel companion of someone who does.

 

Francis said: “So many of us will have health or access needs at some point, or travel with a loved one who does – this is a core and growing market that’s been underestimated and under-served.

 

“The findings show significant interest from this group in more accessible cultural, active and nature-based experiences, and it’s clear that even simple steps from travel companies can help unlock these opportunities for more people.”

 

Almost two-thirds (64%) of respondents with access or health considerations ‘rarely or never’ take a cultural holiday, compared with 51% of those without.

But 69% would be interested in doing so if it was ‘designed with their needs in mind’.

 

The survey also showed young people with access or health considerations are keen to get into nature as 77% of people in this group ‘rarely or never’ take a nature-based holiday.

 

People with access and health considerations also told YouGov that accessibility information should be online and not require a phone call.

 

However, in a separate poll of more than 130 holiday companies, conducted in November 2025 by Responsible Travel, 67% responded that accessibility information about their trips was unavailable online.

 

Furthermore, 11% of UK respondents had been told by a travel company that their access needs couldn’t be catered to; this rose to 27% among Gen Z – with 20% of this age group saying it happened ‘repeatedly’, and 60% saying it had never happened.

 

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Experts from the tourism and accessibility sectors backed the research and supported Responsible Travel’s call for companies to do more to help travellers and improve information.

 

They include:

 

• Antonella Vecchio, Tourism for All trustee, said progress has been made but many travellers with access or health needs still encounter unnecessary barriers.

 

“Small, scalable changes, like providing more detailed information on accessibility on a website or training your customer service team, can have a huge impact on making travel more inclusive and unlock real value,” she said.

 

“We urge tourism businesses and destinations to take that first small step, because, as this survey shows, the commercial consequences of doing nothing are significant.”

 

• Damiano la Rocca, founder of Seable Holidays, added: “There is such an inspiring shift toward active, immersive tourism right now. The message from our community is clear: they want the same adrenaline, the same depth, and the same stories as any other traveller, and we are so proud to make that happen.”

 

• Karen Darke MBE, UK Paralympic gold medallist, adventurer and author, said: “Confidence grows when we embrace vulnerability, plan well, and stay open to learning, but it also depends on the travel industry removing barriers and sharing honest, accessible information.”

 

• Paul Mahoney, who uses a wheelchair, said accurate information is crucial, “for example, going to a hotel that says they have ramp access, only to turn up and find they bring out a ramp that is at a 60-70 degree angle”.

 

He said “a simple access statement that literally ‘walks’ you through accessing the hotel” would help.

 

• Tim Williamson, customer director at Responsible Travel, added: “Detailed customer reviews can add valuable insight and plug information gaps. Is this an area you can work more proactively on?”

 

• Rachel Nafzger, who is blind, travels adventurously with the support of Seable Holidays, including a safari to Eswatini.

 

“One thing that overshadows any travel experience I have ever had is the quality (or lack of) of assistance for passengers with disabilities at airports and on airplanes,” she noted.

 

“It is notoriously not fit for purpose across the board, at home and abroad and it can prove a real barrier.”

 

• Professor Jillian Rickly – professor of tourism at the University of Nottingham who researches accessible tourism – said this new annual poll will keep the sector “accountable”.

 

“Accessible tourism is no longer a niche consideration but is a core driver of sustainable market competitiveness and responsible service delivery in a future‑ready visitor economy,” she commented.

 

“Accessibility enhances the experience for all customers and reflects the growing diversity of today’s travellers, from families with young children to people with disabilities.

 

“In Europe and the USA alone, travellers with disabilities represent a $70 billion market.

 

“Nearly half of people over 60 experience disability. As populations age, tour operators that prioritise inclusive design are strategically positioned to meet rising demand.”

 

To access more information about the research, click here.