European Travellers with Accessibility Needs Face Persistent Challenges Despite High Travel Engagement

A new study conducted by MMGY Travel Intelligence, in collaboration with the European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT) and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), sheds light on the travel patterns and obstacles faced by European travellers with mobility and accessibility needs. Despite a high level of engagement in international travel, these travellers encounter numerous barriers that complicate their travel experiences.

Study Overview

The research, titled “Portrait of European Travellers with Mobility & Accessibility Needs™,” surveyed individuals from five key European markets: the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. The findings reveal that nearly half of the respondents undertake at least one international leisure trip annually. However, they consistently face challenges ranging from inadequate information to insufficient infrastructure, highlighting a significant gap in the travel industry’s offerings for accessible travel.

Key Challenges in Accessible Travel

Information and Planning: One of the primary issues identified is the lack of clear and reliable information about accessibility. Travellers with special needs often spend excessive time searching for and verifying accessibility details on various travel and destination websites.

Transportation: Transportation poses significant difficulties, with more than 80% of respondents reporting challenges. Specific problems include inadequate airport assistance, untrained staff, and damage to mobility equipment. Public transportation is also problematic, with insufficient accessible taxis and poorly designed stations.

Accommodation: The study also points out that many accommodation providers fail to provide essential information on their websites, such as details about step-free access, lift availability, and bathroom accessibility. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for travellers to make informed decisions.

Cost Concerns: The financial aspect of accessible travel is another major concern, with many travellers spending a significant portion of their budget on accessibility-related expenses. This highlights the need for fair pricing and eliminating additional costs associated with accessible travel.

Recommendations for Improvement

The report calls for several actions to enhance the travel experience for those with accessibility needs. These include providing more straightforward and transparent information, improving transportation services and facilities, and ensuring that accommodation listings accurately reflect accessibility features. Addressing the high costs associated with accessible travel is crucial for making travel truly inclusive.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

As travel destinations and service providers continue to strive for greater inclusivity, the findings of this study underscore the importance of listening to and incorporating the needs of travellers with accessibility requirements. With Europe being a top travel destination for this demographic, regions and businesses have a significant opportunity to lead by example in creating accessible and welcoming environments. The industry’s commitment to these improvements will not only benefit travellers with accessibility needs but also enhance the overall quality of travel for all.