Accessible travel has become a vital aspect of global tourism, yet even some of the most developed nations fall short in meeting the needs of disabled travellers
Vineet Valentine Victor, a 25-yearold wheelchair traveller and YouTuber from Kolkata, known by his channel WheelchairTravelWithVineet, has firsthand experience of the challenges that disabled travellers face in different countries. With a passion for exploring new destinations and raising awareness about accessible travel, Victor has travelled to more than 10 countries, documenting his experiences to inspire change. Yet, despite his global travels, he often finds himself confronting insurmountable obstacles in many countries due to inadequate infrastructure, a lack of wheelchair-friendly spaces, and a general disregard for the needs of disabled travellers.
“While no place in the world can be entirely wheelchair- accessible, my best travel experience so far has been in Switzerland and Singapore. In Switzerland, the fact that I could reach Mt Titlis while being seated in my wheelchair, it was truly unbelievable for me ! Both these countries have excellent infrastructure and public transport system, including buses and trains, is designed with wheelchair users in mind, making it a leader in inclusive travel,” Victor tells India Outbound.
Vineet Valentine Victor
Accessible travel has become a vital aspect of global tourism, yet even some of the most developed nations fall short in meeting the needs of disabled travellers. While countries like Singapore set benchmarks with their wheelchair-friendly infrastructure and inclusive transport systems, others, such as Germany, present unexpected challenges says Victor.
“My worst travel experience has been in European countries while these country are known for its efficiency and infrastructure, I found significant gaps in accessibility for disabled travellers. Many public transport options, including buses and trains, are not at all accessible for wheelchair users, and older train stations often lack lifts or ramps. Even some hotels that claimed to be accessible fell short in providing basic necessities like proper ramps or elevators. It was frustrating to encounter such challenges in a country that otherwise sets high standards in many other areas,” he adds.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), approximately 1.3 billion people, or 16 pc of the global population, live with a significant disability. Accessibility in tourism is not only a moral imperative but also a crucial component of sustainable tourism policy. India alone is home to an estimated 22.4 million disabled individuals, yet the country’s tourism infrastructure continues to fall short of meeting their needs. Despite the global emphasis on inclusivity and sustainable tourism, many regions in India and across the world lack the necessary adaptations to ensure seamless and dignified travel experiences for people with disabilities.
However, a few individuals and organisations in India are stepping forward to bridge this gap. Travel agencies like Planet Abled, based in New Delhi, say they provide accessible travel and leisure experiences for people with disabilities and the elderly. Planet Abled says it offers personalised services and customised itineraries, helping disabled travellers navigate India and beyond, with a focus on inclusivity. While the broader change needed is still a long way off, such initiatives offer hope for a more accessible future.
According to WHO, approximately 1.3 billion people, or 16 pc of the global population, live with a significant disability
Neha Arora
“At Planet Abled, we believe that accessible travel is not just about providing services; it is about creating a seamless experience where every traveller, regardless of their disability, feels valued and included. To achieve this, we start by conducting extensive audits of each destination, carefully assessing every aspect, from physical accessibility of attractions and accommodations to the adaptability of local experiences. We organise tailored tours both within India and abroad, ensuring that every destination we offer meets the highest accessibility standards. We then train and sensitise all stakeholders involved, from hotel staff to local guides, to ensure they can provide personalised assistance to our guests. We also plan for the unexpected, preparing contingency plans that anticipate challenges before they arise. This proactive approach ensures that we can handle any situation and that every aspect of the traveller’s journey is as smooth, accessible, and dignified as possible,” Neha Arora, Founder of Planet Abled tells India Outbound.
Planet Abled says it is dedicated to making travel accessible for everyone, regardless of their abilities. With a focus on integrating cutting-edge technology, the agency ensures that travellers with disabilities can explore the world comfortably and inclusively.
“At Planet Abled, we are committed to making travel a truly inclusive experience for everyone. Each month, we welcome a growing number of travellers, including the elderly, young, and disabled, who trust us to create personalised, accessible journeys both within India and abroad. We ensure that every destination we offer meets the highest standards of accessibility, from hotels to local attractions. Our focus is on making each traveller feel valued and supported, with a seamless journey that caters to their unique needs. By working closely with destinations, hotels, and local guides, we guarantee that every aspect of the trip is smooth, dignified, and truly inclusive,” Arora adds.
Despite significant strides in accessible tourism there is still much progress to be made
In recent years, more travel agencies are emerging to cater specifically to accessible travel, especially for wheelchair users. One such organisation, Abled Voyages part of Aura Voyages Private Limited, based in Delhi, was founded by Ravinder Singh Atri, who is passionate about making travel inclusive for everyone. The agency focuses on providing wheelchair accessible holidays for disabled travellers in India. Atri’s vision ensures that clients enjoy a seamless travel experience, offering wheelchair access from the moment they arrive at the airport to when they check into their hotels. With a commitment to accessibility, they also arrange appropriate amenities to meet the specific needs of each traveller.
Ravinder Singh Atri
“As a company that has been operating since 2014, we have specialised in offering wheelchair-accessible travel for Indian travellers. We organise seamless wheelchair assistance from the moment they arrive at the airport, ensuring that they have access to accessible transport, hotels, and necessary amenities throughout their journey, in India. Our goal is to make their travel experience as comfortable, inclusive, and dignified as possible, from the airport to everywhere they go,” Atri tells India Outbound.
While many countries have made significant strides in providing accessible travel solutions. One such example of progress is Responsible Travel, a UK-based online travel agency and publisher that has been leading the way in accessible tourism. Founded in 2001 by British entrepreneur Justin Francis, Responsible Travel collaborates with specialist operators around the world to offer tours designed to accommodate travellers with disabilities. Tim Williamson, the Customer Director at Responsible Travel, emphasises the company’s commitment to making travel accessible to all, helping to raise the standard of inclusive tourism globally.
Tim Williamson
“We began offering accessible holidays before 2009, but it was in 2015 when we launched our travel guide, followed by our campaign in 2019. Our goal was to understand the challenges faced by disabled travellers, enhance our own accessible offerings, and encourage broader positive change within the tourism industry. We believe there is a responsibility to make travel accessible for all, and by improving accessibility for tourists, we also help the communities they visit. Every holiday partner we work with, and every trip listed on our site, is screened against our responsible tourism criteria, including whether, and how, a trip is accessible. For those that meet these standards, we ensure that a detailed description is provided, so our customers can make informed decisions before getting in touch,” Williamson, tells India Outbound.
Despite significant strides in accessible tourism, there is still much progress to be made. Industry leaders are optimistic about the future, recognising both the growth of the sector and the vast potential that remains untapped.
“The demand for accessible tourism is undoubtedly there, and it is a growing sector. There are some fantastic companies dedicated to this cause, but the market still holds significant untapped potential. It is surprising, and frankly disappointing, that the industry as a whole hasn’t made more progress. However, we remain optimistic. By continuing to advocate for change, collaborate with our partners, and raise awareness, we can help the tourism industry evolve to meet the needs of all travellers,” Williamson adds.
Even hotels abroad have made significant advancements in accessibility, and Spain is no exception. Hotel Mas Pelegri, located in Girona, Catalonia, stands out as a pioneer in this space. Under the leadership of Fiona Smart, Chairperson of Mas Pelegri, the hotel has become a model of inclusivity. It offers specially adapted rooms and outdoor activities tailored to customers with diverse needs, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a comfortable and enriching stay.
“At Mas Pelegri, we strive to create an inclusive environment for all our guests, regardless of their abilities. For our outdoor activities, we have partnered with local centres and services that are specially adapted for guests with disabilities. For example, the horse riding centre near us is certified to accommodate people with disabilities, offering extra helpers and specific equipment like lead reins to ensure safety and enjoyment. The Banyoles Sports Club, just a short distance away, is fully adapted for para-athletes, with ramps leading to the water, while our canyoning company assigns a dedicated instructor for guests who are blind. We also provide specialised buggies during the summer months to help wheelchair users access the water and swim, and we adapt yoga classes to suit different needs, including offering chair yoga for those who require it,” Smart, tells India Outbound.
Many companies and destinations commit to accessibility
Smart says she has dedicated years to ensuring her property serves as a model for inclusivity in tourism. Recognising the growing demand for accessible travel, Smart emphasises the importance of constant learning and collaboration to create meaningful experiences for differently-abled guests. Her approach is deeply rooted in understanding the unique needs of her visitors and evolving services accordingly.
Fiona Smart
“We have also made several modifications to our rooms and dining areas to ensure they are fully accessible, and we are always open to feedback. We work closely with travel agencies like Responsible Travel to ensure that we meet the specific needs of differently-abled travellers. But most importantly, we listen, by engaging in conversations with our guests and asking them about their experiences. Many of our guests return, and we truly get to know them on a personal level, which is incredibly rewarding. For instance, we had a lady who had been practicing yoga back home after her stay, Fiona Smart At Mas Pelegri, we strive to create an inclusive environment for all our guests, regardless of their abilities. For our outdoor activities, we have partnered with local and when she returned, it was amazing to see how much she had improved in terms of her mobility, despite the nerve damage she still had. It is moments like these that drive us to keep evolving. To ensure we remain inclusive, we continuously ask, keep learning, and engage in meaningful conversations to improve our services for guests of all abilities and ages,” Smart adds.
With growing demand, the tourism industry has vast potential to become more inclusive. As more companies and destinations commit to accessibility, the future of travel looks increasingly welcoming for all.
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