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Survey finds that tourism businesses offer accessibiliuty features, but aren’t promoting them

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SAUSALITO, CA, UNITED STATES  As the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) approaches on July 26, a new nationwide survey by TravelAbility is sparking a shift in how accessibility is presented across the U.S. tourism sector.

The Uncovering Accessibility survey, part of TravelAbility’s ongoing “Rethinking Accessibility” campaign collected responses from 143 tourism businesses, including hotels, attractions, restaurants, museums, and outdoor recreation providers. The goal: to better understand the accessibility features already in place and how they are (or aren’t) being communicated to travelers.

What the results revealed is encouraging: many businesses already offer inclusive features – but aren’t promoting them.

“Travelers with disabilities aren’t just looking for compliance – they’re looking for clarity,” said Jake Steinman, founder of TravelAbility. “The ADA mandates certain physical features, but there’s no ADA for information. People with disabilities often have to guess what will or won’t work for them. That’s why Accessibility Landing Pages are so important – they help travelers discover what they can do, not what they can’t.”

Key Findings from 143 Respondents

  • 85% offer step-free entry
  • 81% have accessible restrooms
  • 81% offer ramps or elevators
  • 68% provide accommodations for blind or low-vision guests, such as braille signage or audio guides
  • 60% offer features for deaf or hard of hearing travelers, including hearing loops or text transcripts
  • 44% offer sensory-friendly features such as calm spaces, sensory bags, or quiet hours
  • YET 78% do not have a dedicated accessibility page on their website. In other words: accessibility is happening – it’s just not being shared.
This Isn’t About Perfection, It’s About Visibility

From large print menus and calm rooms to free pet stays for service dogs, many businesses already offer helpful features. An Accessibility Landing Page brings that information together in one place – helping guests plan confidently while showcasing the efforts of local businesses.

Simple, Scalable Steps for Progress

The report also highlights accessible features that businesses can easily promote – many of which are low-cost or already in place:

  • Sensory-friendly hours and quiet spaces
  • Tactile exhibits, large print menus, and guided tours
  • Use of visual or assistive apps (e.g., Aira, Be My Eyes)
  • Staff training or service dog-friendly policies
  • Accurate details about physical access, parking, and signage

“This survey gave us a whole new outlook on how we could be more accessible,” shared one respondent. “Our buildings were constructed in the 1960s, and as a small business, meeting some ADA compliance standards has felt cost-prohibitive. That said, many guests in wheelchairs still come and enjoy the property – and they find ways to navigate the shortcomings. This survey showed us how we can still be supportive. We already offer free pet stays for service dogs, and we’re looking forward to tackling more from the list.”

The Role of the Destination A11Y Club

Ten leading DMOs in TravelAbility’s Destination A11Y Club are already paving the way. Each maintains an Accessibility Landing Page highlighting inclusive local experiences for travelers with disabilities and older adults. With help from the Uncovering Accessibility survey, they’re now expanding those listings – often uncovering accessibility assets they didn’t know they had. It’s a win-win for both visitors and the local businesses they rely on.

What’s Next

The survey findings are just the beginning. Here’s what TravelAbility and participating destinations are doing next:

  • Creating a best practice guide to help businesses build or improve accessibility pages tailored to the types of organizations surveyed.
  • Connecting interested businesses with training opportunities through TravelAbility’s partner network.

As destinations take these next steps, the goal is simple: empower travelers with better information and create more welcoming travel experiences for all.

The article Survey finds that tourism businesses offer accessibiliuty features, but aren’t promoting them first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.



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Indian Travellers Pick Bali, Dubai this Summer: What OYO’s 2025 Report Reveals – outlookbusiness.com

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Indian Travellers Pick Bali, Dubai this Summer: What OYO’s 2025 Report Reveals  outlookbusiness.com



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Carnival Corporation joins the American Gaming Association as the first cruise line member

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MIAMI – Carnival Corporation & plc announced its membership in the American Gaming Association (AGA), becoming the first cruise operator to join the nation’s leading trade group, which represents the U.S. casino industry.

With this historic membership, Carnival Corporation further deepens its longstanding commitment to upholding the highest standards of compliance, including anti-money laundering initiatives and responsible gaming practices.

“Joining the American Gaming Association is an important step in advancing our industry leadership and ensuring we remain at the forefront of responsible gaming and regulatory best practices,” said Marty Goldman, Senior Vice President of Global Gaming at Carnival Corporation. “This partnership opens new avenues for collaboration and knowledge-sharing that will directly benefit our guests, team members and the broader Carnival Corporation organization.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Carnival Corporation to the American Gaming Association. As a global leader in leisure travel and entertainment, they not only bring a unique perspective to our membership but also deepen our network through longstanding partnerships with several existing AGA members,” said Maureen Beddis, Senior Vice President of Membership and Events at the American Gaming Association. “Their commitment to delivering world-class gaming experiences at sea complements our efforts to promote innovation, collaboration, and responsible gaming across the industry. We look forward to working together to strengthen our collective impact.”

As a core operator member, Carnival Corporation will have the opportunity to collaborate with land-based and online casino operators and gaming suppliers across the U.S. to gain valuable knowledge and insights to support the company’s business objectives. As AGA members, Carnival Corporation leaders and team members will also have access to a wide range of benefits, including:

  • Industry-Exclusive Data and Resources: Members-only webinars and research on regulatory trends, responsible gaming and more, helping them stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry
  • Professional Development: Exclusive programming such as educational webinars, legislative updates and best practices around compliance and responsible gaming
  • Networking and Collaboration: Opportunities to engage with leaders from commercial and tribal casinos, sports betting and iGaming companies, and gaming suppliers, expanding the company’s industry connections and influence
  • Advocacy and Policy Support: AGA’s advocacy tools and legislative intelligence to help follow and shape industry policy

As part of the AGA, Carnival Corporation earns a seat at the table for national conversations, learning from and contributing to developments in gaming regulation, responsible gaming initiatives and policy advocacy. This partnership allows corporate leaders and team members to stay at the forefront of industry trends, access cutting-edge data and participate in events and committees that shape the future of gaming.

The article Carnival Corporation joins the American Gaming Association as the first cruise line member first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.



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BCD Travel and Oversee partner to implement agentic AI for scalable, traveler-centric service

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UTRECHT, THE NETHERLANDS – BCD Travel, one of the world’s leading corporate travel management companies, and Oversee, a travel technology company specializing in AI-powered spend optimization and agent operations, announced the expansion of their partnership. This move will scale Oversee’s agentic AI technology across BCD’s operational environment, following a successful multi-customer pilot focused on automating email-based service requests.

This partnership positions BCD as a future-ready TMC: blending technology and talent to transform service delivery, increase operational resilience and deliver a consistently high-quality experience for travelers and travel agents.

“At BCD, we’re continuously evolving to meet the needs of today’s business travelers,” said Yannis Karmis, Senior Vice President of Product Planning & Development at BCD. “Our partnership with Oversee aligns with our strategic focus on digital transformation, allowing us to automate intelligently while maintaining the personal service travelers expect.”

“We’re proud to partner with BCD to bring agentic AI into real-world operations,” said Aviel Siman-Tov, CEO and co-founder of Oversee. “Our agentic AI solution has been purpose-built to support the unique workflows of TMCs. Together with BCD, we’re proving how AI can enhance – not replace – the human side of travel management.”

Aviel Siman-Tov, CEO and co-founder, Oversee

Oversee’s agentic AI technology supports travel agents by automating repetitive tasks – such as booking requests, exchanges and shell PNR creation – enabling agents to focus on more complex service and support requests. Through this solution, BCD has improved agent workflows and increased SLA adherence across pilot markets.

The goal is not just speed, but quality, ensuring travelers receive fast, accurate responses 24/7, globally – without losing human touch.

In today’s rapidly evolving travel environment, BCD is taking bold steps to scale smartly – without compromising traveler care. By investing in AI-powered solutions, BCD is redefining the role of travel agents and building a service model designed for long-term agility and efficiency.

This partnership reflects a shared vision between BCD and Oversee: to build foundational AI capabilities that streamline global operations, empower travel agents, and elevate traveler satisfaction. As BCD continues to scale its service offering, this agentic AI platform will serve as a core enabler – delivering automation that’s fast, accurate, and globally scalable.

The article BCD Travel and Oversee partner to implement agentic AI for scalable, traveler-centric service first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.



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