ABTA Releases New Guidance on Accessibility and Assisted Travel

ABTA has launched new guidance and a checklist to assist travellers in considering accessibility and assisted travel needs when planning trips.

ABTA’s new guidance helps travellers identify and address accessibility and assisted travel requirements throughout the travel process, including holidays, business travel, or visits to family and friends. It encourages consideration of needs related to reduced mobility, access requirements, non-visible disabilities, and neurodiversity.

The guidance covers the entire travel experience, from planning and booking to travel and activities at the destination. It is designed to prompt travellers to consider their own needs or those of companions at the earliest stages, enabling travel agents and operators to provide appropriate support, advice, and assistance.

A checklist is included for customers to complete, serving as a prompt for discussions with travel companies to ensure all relevant areas are considered when making arrangements. ABTA is encouraging its members to share the guidance and checklist with customers and use these resources as practical tools during consultations about holiday plans and bookings.

The new guidance forms part of ABTA’s ongoing work on accessibility and assisted travel. ABTA is working with members, government, destinations, and regulators to improve accessible travel across the sector, including different modes of transport and all stages of the holiday experience.

ABTA is also developing new materials for its members to support and strengthen their approach to accessibility and assisted travel, including policies, training, and customer communication.

The guidance and checklist are available at www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/accessible-travel.