The travel industry continues to fail disabled holidaymakers, with shocking new research revealing it’s 60 times harder to find disability-accessible accommodation compared to pet-friendly hotels. This stark reality highlights the urgent need for systemic change in how the travel sector approaches accessibility.
The Staggering Statistics
Our recent research across 10 European destinations uncovered deeply concerning disparities:
- 37% of family rooms are marked as ‘pet-friendly’ on major booking platforms
- Only 1.5% offer genuine disability access
- 41,576 hotels welcome pets, whilst just 1,684 are accessible for disabled guests
- Even Portugal, the best-performing destination, offers only 2.4% accessible rooms compared to 27.8% pet-friendly options
Beyond Numbers: The Human Impact
These aren’t just statistics – they represent real barriers facing disabled families every day. As our founder Paula Hansen explains: “I love my pet, but the fact I know I can take my dog Angus, but not my son who uses a wheelchair and has cerebral palsy, is frankly shocking.”
The consequences are profound:
- 1 in 10 disabled people avoid holidays altogether due to uncertainty about accessibility
- 90% have experienced booking issues related to finding suitable accommodation
- 49% have had to complain about accessibility whilst on holiday
- 21% saw nothing done about their complaints
The Policy Problem
It’s not just about numbers. Hotels provide detailed policies about what ‘pet-friendly’ means – from specific facilities to clear rules and regulations. Yet accessibility information remains frustratingly vague, often limited to basic statements like ‘elevator access’ without meaningful detail about what disabled guests can actually expect.
Our Campaign for Change
At World Accessible Holidays, we’re not just highlighting these problems – we’re actively working to solve them. Our campaign focuses on:
Industry Accountability
Pushing major booking platforms and hotel chains to provide detailed, verified accessibility information that matches the standard they set for pet policies.
Transparency in Booking
Advocating for clear, comprehensive accessibility filters and descriptions that allow disabled travellers to make informed decisions with confidence.
Education and Awareness
Working with travel professionals to understand the real needs of disabled holidaymakers and the impact of current industry practices.
Direct Action
Continuing to build our verified database of genuinely accessible properties, ensuring every recommendation is personally tested and confirmed.
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t just about holidays – it’s about equality, dignity, and the fundamental right to travel and explore the world. When mainstream operators make it virtually impossible to guarantee accessible rooms, and specialist operators remain prohibitively expensive, we’re effectively excluding an entire community from one of life’s great pleasures.
What Needs to Change
The travel industry must recognise that accessibility isn’t a niche market – it’s a basic requirement. We’re calling for:
- Standardised accessibility information across all booking platforms
- Verified accessibility features rather than vague descriptions
- Staff training on disability awareness and accessibility requirements
- Industry-wide commitment to making travel truly inclusive
Moving Forward
Whilst platforms like Booking.com acknowledge there’s “a long way to go to make travel more accessible,” we believe the time for gradual progress has passed. Disabled people and their families deserve the same ease of booking, the same range of options, and the same confidence in their travel plans as any pet owner enjoys today.
We’ll continue to campaign, to challenge, and to create the accessible travel experiences that should be available to everyone. Because travel isn’t a luxury – it’s a right that shouldn’t depend on your mobility, your sight, or your hearing.
Ready to experience truly accessible travel? Contact World Accessible Holidays on 02921 283143 or visit www.worldaccessibleholidays.co.uk to discover holidays designed with accessibility at their heart.
