Spain Teams Up with WTM London to Set New Standards for Accessible Travel and Tourism

Spain Teams Up with WTM London to Set New Standards for Accessible Travel and Tourism through a landmark partnership between the Spanish Tourist Office and World Travel Market London. The agreement makes Spain the event’s first accessibility partner and introduces new initiatives designed to improve inclusion, remove travel barriers and encourage industry-wide action.

WTM London and Spain Announce Landmark Accessibility Partnership

World Travel Market London has announced a major partnership with the Spanish Tourist Office to strengthen accessible tourism and encourage greater inclusion across the international travel industry.

Announced on 22 October 2026, the agreement establishes the Spanish Tourist Office as WTM London’s first official accessibility partner. Both organisations aim to move beyond discussions about accessibility and introduce practical improvements for travellers, tourism businesses and destinations.

The partnership will bring new initiatives to WTM London 2026, including an accessibility award, specialist discussions, improved visitor support and the introduction of Spain’s latest inclusive tourism campaign.

The collaboration also reflects growing recognition that accessible tourism is an important part of destination development, customer experience and responsible business practices.

Spain to Introduce New Inclusive Tourism Campaign

A central feature of the partnership is the introduction of Spain’s new campaign, Spain, a country for all.

The campaign will build on the existing Spain for All initiative, developed by the Spanish Tourist Office in the United Kingdom.

The initiative aims to reduce discrimination, remove unnecessary barriers and help visitors explore Spain with greater independence, dignity and confidence.

It also seeks to encourage tourism businesses to consider accessibility throughout the visitor journey, from planning and booking to transport, accommodation and attractions.

Spain’s approach recognises that travellers have different requirements and that accessible tourism must respond to those needs through reliable information and appropriate services.

Accessibility Advisory Board to Guide Industry Improvements

The Spain for All initiative is supported by an advisory board comprising more than 20 experts and industry leaders from Spain and the United Kingdom.

Several members have personal experience of disability, allowing the initiative to incorporate practical knowledge alongside professional expertise.

The board promotes information sharing, identifies opportunities for improvement and encourages businesses to adopt effective accessibility practices.

Its work will contribute to discussions at WTM London and help develop a wider roadmap for tourism accessibility.

The partnership places particular emphasis on involving people with disabilities in decisions about the services and experiences intended for them.

WTM London 2026 to Host Major Accessibility Events

The partnership will introduce several accessibility-focused activities during WTM London 2026.

A dedicated press conference on 3 November at 15:00 will introduce Spain’s campaign and outline future industry initiatives.

On 4 November at 13:45, Spain for All advisory board members will participate in a Headliner Stage discussion titled Who Decides What’s Accessible? Reframing Travel Around Informed Choice.

The discussion will explore how travellers can make informed decisions when businesses provide clear and accurate accessibility information.

Advisory board members will also contribute to the WTM Leaders’ Summit.

Another development is the introduction of the WTM Contribution to Accessibility award, organised in collaboration with the Spanish Tourist Office.

The award will recognise contributions to improving accessibility within tourism.

Visitor Facilities and Accessibility Support to Expand

WTM London already provides several services designed to support visitors with different accessibility requirements.

These include dedicated accessible seating areas, stage ramps and closed captions during conference sessions.

The event also uses Rozie AI to provide real-time transcripts and summaries, helping attendees access conference information.

Visitors seeking quieter surroundings can use WTM Reset Rooms located behind both exhibition halls.

Accessibility Buddy Tours are available to help visitors navigate the exhibition.

The new partnership will build on these measures, while a newly appointed accessibility steering group will support continued oversight and improvements.

Industry Leaders Highlight Importance of Inclusive Tourism

Chris Carter-Chapman, Event Director at WTM London, welcomed the partnership as an extension of the exhibition’s existing inclusion commitments.

He highlighted the importance of integrating accessibility into event operations and conference programming.

José Manuel de Juan González, Director of the Spanish Tourist Office in the UK, described the agreement as an important development in Spain’s efforts to improve equal opportunities and reduce barriers.

He also emphasised the contribution of accessibility experts and people with lived experience of disability.

Partnership Could Influence Wider Tourism Industry

The agreement provides an opportunity for destinations, hotels, airlines, attractions and travel organisers to examine how accessibility can become part of everyday operations.

Clear information, suitable facilities and better communication can help travellers make informed choices and improve confidence when planning journeys.

However, meaningful progress will depend on how effectively the initiatives are implemented and whether improvements can be measured over time.

By bringing accessibility into its international conference programme and exhibition operations, WTM London is creating a platform for industry cooperation.

Spain’s participation could also encourage other destinations to adopt similar approaches, supporting a travel industry that serves a wider range of visitors.