At the AccessAbilities Expo 2024, the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) announced the launch of a groundbreaking accessibility app designed to improve the quality of life of individuals with disabilities. The app connects the people using it with accessible businesses and public locations to empower them, help them navigate their environment and to help eliminate the barriers often faced. As said earlier, the app offers directory to accessible businesses, including Certified Autism Centers™ (CACs), and provides users with reliable, easy-to-access information. The app is not limited to Autism but one section highlights all of the Certified Autism Centers™ (CACs) which are a part of Dubai’s broader effort to become the first Certified Autism Destination™ in the region. This aligns with Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) initiative, which seeks to make the city a global leader in accessible and inclusive tourism. The app offers businesses

Europe is home to many tourist destinations that are very popular but not always fully inclusive because of their architecture and picturesque appearance. Cobbled streets can pose navigation problems and it can be difficult to find a fully wheelchair-accessible establishment. 👩‍🦽‍➡️ Even if “fully accessible” is extremely hard to reach as accessibility is not a one-size-fits-all concept, some cities do stand out for their efforts to be inclusive and their will to ensure that travellers with disabilities can explore with ease. These cities are known for providing accessible public transportation, accommodations, and attractions. Some of the top accessible cities include Barcelona, Warsaw, and Berlin, which prioritise infrastructure that caters to all visitors thanks to various initiatives such as “Berlin Without Barriers” or Barcelona’s accessible beaches. ⛱️ With features such as tours and facilities for disabled visitors, quiet times and quiet spaces in museums, wheelchair-friendly buses and metro stations, tactile exhibits

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

“Access to our planet is a right, and inclusion is a must.” These powerful words embody the shift we’re seeing in destinations that are reimagining themselves in order to become truly inclusive spaces for travelers of all abilities, like the Oregon Coast. Imagine exploring rugged peaks, strolling through deep forests, and feeling the ocean breeze on dramatic dunes, enjoying all that without worrying about not being able to access a certain area. The Oregon Coast has embraced this vision and managed to bring its visitors this feeling, creating an inclusive destination that welcomes everyone, regardless of ability. Their efforts reflect a shift needed in the tourism industry, from mere accessibility compliance to fostering a culture of inclusion. Indeed, 16% of the global population experiences significant disabilities, that’s 1.3 billion potential travelers worldwide, a figure set to rise as populations age. Moreover, 70% of disabled individuals have traveled at least once,