DI Partners With Accessibility Expert to Advise DMOs

People with disabilities comprise 20 percent of the population, per industry estimates, but travel and meetings are rarely fully accessible. To help close the gap, Destinations International has partnered with TravelAbility to support DI’s more than 700 destination marketing organization members in furthering their inclusion strategies.

TravelAbility, the leading conference and media company serving this fast-growing audience, is now DI’s official accessibility advisor, providing guidance on how to make destinations more welcoming for people with different abilities through content, speakers, and a forum for assistive technology entrepreneurs to present solutions for improving accessibility in travel and meetings. 

Accessibility Playbook will be available soon

Destinations International also will market the Accessibility Playbook, a comprehensive guide for destinations and travel businesses to improve their accessibility and inclusion initiatives for travelers with disabilities. Produced by TravelAbility, the Playbook contains more than 100 videos, PowerPoint decks and contacts for a range of vendors in the accessibility space.

“We are thrilled to partner with Destinations International to advance the cause of accessibility in the travel industry,” said Jake Steinman, founder and CEO of TravelAbility. "This is a win-win situation for both organizations, and for the millions of travelers who can benefit from more accessible and inclusive travel experiences.” 

The Accessibility Playbook will be available for purchase on the Destinations International website in 2024. 

DI recognizes industry need for accessibility expertise 

“Accessibility is a key component of our social-inclusion strategy, and we look forward to working with TravelAbility as our official accessibility advisor,” said Don Welsh, president and CEO of Destinations International. “They have the expertise, the network and the passion to help our 700-plus members create more inclusive destinations for all travelers.”

TravelAbility also is the official accessibility provider for several other organizations and events, including Visit Florida, ConferenceDirect, and the American Pavilion at the Cannes Film Festival.

To learn more about this partnership or the Accessibility Playbook, send an email to Sophia Hyder Hock, chief diversity officer for DI, or Jake Steinman at TravelAbility.