India’s Accessible Tourism Initiative: Boosting Inclusivity and Growth for the Travel Industry

Published on December 3, 2025

India has taken a vital step toward inclusive travel. The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India (MoT) recently updated its rules to require that tourist facilities built with central funding are barrier‑free. This means people with disabilities, seniors and travellers needing mobility support will find hotels, heritage sites and public‑space amenities more welcoming. The change signals a shift in how India views its visitors — not as a narrow category, but as a diverse community entitled to comfort, dignity and equal access.

Why Accessible Tourism Matters for India

Accessible tourism is not just about ramps or wheelchair‑friendly rooms. It is a broader concept of universal access that benefits people of all backgrounds and abilities.

Globally, destinations that adopt inclusive practices report higher visitor numbers, even in off-seasons. Accessible travellers often travel with companions or family—resulting in more bookings per unit.

For India, this can translate into a major tourism boost. As domestic and international travellers seek accessible, inclusive experiences, destinations compliant with accessibility standards could capture an underserved segment.

Moreover, accessible tourism supports social equity. By enabling people with disabilities and seniors to travel freely, the sector reinforces the principle that travel should belong to “everyone.”

What New Guidelines Demand from Tourism Infrastructure

Under the revised MoT framework:

• All tourist facilities funded by the central government must be barrier‑free.
• Hotels rated 4‑star and 5‑star need to include accessible features to qualify for classification.
• According to the draft guidelines (prepared by Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee), at least 5% of rooms in any accommodation must meet “universal accessibility” standards.
• Properties should ensure visible information about accessibility features, train staff to assist travellers with different needs, and integrate accessibility across front desks, restaurants and common areas.

These measures aim to make accommodations and tourist services inclusive by design rather than by exception.

In addition, the broader Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan) supports accessibility in public transport, buildings and information systems, creating a foundation for inclusive tourism across sectors.

What This Means for Travellers and Destinations

For travellers with disabilities, seniors or families needing more accessible infrastructure — this is encouraging. They can now expect more welcoming hotels, easier access to heritage sites, better mobility in public spaces and thoughtful service.

For Indian destinations and businesses, inclusive tourism opens a new revenue stream. By catering to a wider group of travellers, they can improve occupancy, diversify markets, and build stronger reputations.

Accessible tourism also promotes longer stays and off‑season visits. As some research shows, inclusive destinations tend to fare better outside peak travel periods.

Beyond business numbers, this shift can help change societal perceptions. When travel becomes accessible, it sends a message: tourism is for everyone. It can uplift people with disabilities, challenge biases and foster empathy across communities.

Challenges Ahead — But Hope on the Horizon

Translating policy into reality remains a challenge. Some destinations still lack retrofitted infrastructure. Transport networks and heritage sites may require major upgrades. As one analyst observed, mindset and awareness must evolve along with physical changes.

Yet momentum is building. With government endorsement, rising global advocacy and a growing market eager for inclusive travel — India’s tourism sector stands at a turning point.

If stakeholders seize this opportunity, India can emerge not only as a destination rich in culture and heritage — but one that welcomes every traveller. That change could transform countless journeys, one accessible path at a time.