On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, UN Tourism in collaboration with the Fundación ONCE / Inserta and Spanish Association for Standardization, emphasised the economic and social benefits of accessible tourism.

Accessibility is a moral obligation that is often overlooked, yet it also represents an interesting market and can bring economic benefits:

1.3 billion people globally live with significant disabilities, a vast yet often overlooked market.

By 2029, 1 in 6 people worldwide will be over 60, increasing the demand for inclusive travel services.

Travelers with disabilities often travel with 2–3 companions, amplifying the economic potential.

Accessible tourism isn’t just a moral responsibility, it’s a smart business strategy through which inclusive destinations can see their numbers of visitors grow even in low seasons, while boosting job creation and strengthening their global reputation.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili encapsulates this perfectly:

“Everybody should be able to enjoy tourism… The benefits have never been clearer.”

In that spirit, the release of the ISO 21902:2021 Standards on Accessible Tourism and six comprehensive sets of guidelines offer practical steps for destinations, businesses, and stakeholders across different sectors such as transport, accommodation & MICE, heritage & nature areas, tour operators & travel agencies and more! Looking ahead to Madrid International Tourism Fair 2025, key partners including International Air Transport Association (IATA) European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT) asbl. and the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance will explore innovative ways to implement these guidelines and create travel experiences that truly work for everyone.

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