Destination Accessibility Assessments
Comprehensive audits of destination infrastructure, accommodation, attractions, transportation, and information — benchmarked against GAC's Accessible Tourism Standards.
Accessible Tourism
Accessible Tourism Is the Future of Travel
The global accessible tourism market represents over 1.3 billion people with disabilities — plus their families, companions, and caregivers. Destinations and operators that lead on accessibility don't just do the right thing. They capture a market that competitors are leaving behind.
The Opportunity
The Accessible Tourism Opportunity
Accessible tourism is not a niche. It is the fastest-growing segment of global travel — driven by aging populations, rising disability prevalence, and a generation of travelers who expect accessibility as a baseline, not a bonus.
1.3B+
People with disabilities worldwide
$58B+
Annual accessible tourism spending in the US alone
2.4x
Travelers with disabilities travel with companions on average
87%
Would return to an accessible destination and recommend it
Our Work
What GAC Does for Tourism
GAC works with national tourism organizations, destination management companies, visitor attractions, and tourism operators to build accessible tourism strategies that are comprehensive, credible, and commercially effective.
Accessible Tourism Strategy
Multi-year roadmaps for destinations and operators — from policy development to product development, marketing, and stakeholder engagement.
Accessibility Certification & Recognition
GAC's destination and operator certification programs provide credible, third-party recognition that travelers and travel trade partners trust.
Staff Training & Capacity Building
Disability awareness, accessible service delivery, and inclusive communication training for frontline tourism staff and management.
Accessible Tourism Marketing
Guidance on authentic, accurate accessible tourism marketing — including accessible digital content, imagery, and information standards.
Stakeholder Engagement & Co-Design
Structured engagement with travelers with disabilities, disability organizations, and advocacy groups to ensure solutions reflect lived experience.
Framework
The GAC Accessible Tourism Framework
GAC's approach to accessible tourism is built on five interconnected dimensions — each essential to a destination or operator's ability to deliver genuinely inclusive experiences.
01
Physical Access
Built environment, transportation, accommodation, and attraction accessibility — the foundation of any accessible tourism offering.
02
Information & Communication
Accessible pre-trip information, digital content, wayfinding, and on-site communication — enabling independent travel planning and navigation.
03
Service & Attitude
Staff training, service protocols, and organizational culture — the human dimension that determines whether physical access translates into genuine welcome.
04
Products & Experiences
Accessible tours, activities, and experiences — not just barrier-free access to existing products, but purposefully designed inclusive offerings.
05
Policy & Governance
Destination-level policy, standards, and governance frameworks — the systemic infrastructure that sustains accessible tourism over time.
Clients
Who We Work With
National Tourism Organizations
Developing national accessible tourism strategies, standards, and certification programs.
Destination Management Organizations
Building destination-level accessible tourism capacity and stakeholder coordination.
Visitor Attractions
Museums, heritage sites, national parks, and theme parks — accessible design and inclusive visitor experience.
Tour Operators & Travel Agencies
Accessible product development, staff training, and accessible tourism marketing.
Ready to Lead on Accessible Tourism?
Whether you're starting your accessible tourism journey or looking to elevate an existing program, GAC can help you build something that lasts.