UN Tourism Partners with Agency for Business and Economic Development to Launch Transformative Accessibility Guidelines Making Global Travel Inclusive for All Travelers

Published on December 3, 2025

UN Tourism has taken a decisive step toward making global travel more inclusive by partnering with the Agency for Business and Economic Development (AWE) to release groundbreaking Accessibility Guidelines for tourism businesses. Designed to help hotels, transport providers, travel agencies, and destinations create welcoming environments for travelers of all abilities, these guidelines offer practical, scalable strategies to enhance service quality, operational efficiency, and overall guest experience. Launched in conjunction with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, this initiative highlights UN Tourism’s commitment to promoting equitable, barrier-free travel worldwide while demonstrating that accessibility is both a social responsibility and a strategic business advantage.

The new Accessibility Guidelines for Tourism Businesses provide a roadmap that is both actionable and scalable. They outline five practical steps companies can implement to strengthen accessibility, engage diverse customer segments, and enhance operational efficiency. By adopting these measures, businesses can not only improve guest experiences but also build stronger reputations, generate higher revenue, and align with international sustainability goals. The approach emphasizes that accessibility is an opportunity for growth and innovation rather than a regulatory burden.

A Significant and Growing Market for Tourism Businesses

One of the core insights of the guidelines is the immense size of the market represented by travelers with disabilities and older adults. Currently, more than 1.3 billion people live with severe disabilities, while nearly half of all individuals over the age of 60 experience some form of functional limitation. Combined with family members and caregivers, these travelers represent roughly one third of the global tourism market—a demographic that is expected to expand as populations age and mobility improves worldwide.

Despite the potential, many businesses continue to face challenges in accessibility. Limited physical access, lack of trained personnel, and insufficient information can deter travelers and affect customer satisfaction. Businesses that neglect these considerations risk negative reviews, missed revenue opportunities, and even exclusion from grants or public programs aimed at promoting inclusive tourism. The guidelines highlight that accessibility is not merely a social responsibility—it is a strategic business advantage that can drive customer loyalty and long-term profitability.

Inclusive Practices Drive Stronger Performance

The guidelines also highlight the proven link between accessibility and business success. Research indicates that companies prioritizing inclusion and disability-friendly practices outperform competitors across key financial metrics. Firms that lead in disability employment report up to 28% higher revenue, double the net income, and greater economic profit margins compared to their peers.

Inclusion also fosters innovation. Employees with disabilities often offer unique insights that improve service design and operational processes. By leveraging these perspectives, businesses can develop solutions that address diverse customer needs and enhance overall service quality. Additionally, inclusive workplaces benefit from higher employee retention, reducing turnover and associated recruitment costs, while fostering a more engaged and committed workforce.

A Practical Five-Step Approach to Accessibility

The Accessibility Guidelines for Tourism Businesses offer a five-step framework that makes the adoption of inclusive practices manageable for organizations of any size. The steps include assessing existing accessibility levels, identifying customer needs, implementing training programs, upgrading digital and physical infrastructure, and embedding accessibility into long-term planning.

Importantly, the guidelines emphasize cost-effective measures that can yield immediate improvements. Simple changes such as better signage, accessible booking platforms, staff awareness training, or clearer communication channels can significantly enhance customer experience. These incremental steps also serve as a foundation for more comprehensive accessibility initiatives over time, enabling businesses to demonstrate a genuine commitment to inclusion without requiring significant upfront investment.

Promoting Global Awareness and Adoption

To ensure widespread impact, UN Tourism and AWE have designed the guidelines in an accessible format, making them easy to use for businesses around the world. The guidelines will be highlighted at upcoming accessibility-focused tourism events in Ecuador and Cuba, where industry leaders will share best practices and innovative solutions. Additional campaigns and collaborative projects are planned with German development partners through 2026 to encourage businesses to implement the recommendations and capitalize on the opportunities offered by accessible tourism.

Shaping the Future of Inclusive Travel

The release of these guidelines represents a pivotal moment for the global tourism industry. By prioritizing accessibility, businesses can broaden their customer base, enhance service quality, and strengthen long-term competitiveness. Travelers of all abilities will benefit from safer, more welcoming, and more enjoyable experiences, while the industry gains the opportunity to expand revenue streams and support sustainable development. UN Tourism’s initiative signals a new era in which inclusivity is central to business strategy, demonstrating that accessible travel is both a moral responsibility and a path to economic growth.