Europe falls behind in accessibility for travelers

18-06-25

A new study by MMGY Travel Intelligence, in collaboration with the European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT) and the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), delivers a clear message: European travelers with accessibility needs are actively engaged in tourism but continue to encounter persistent barriers that limit their experience.

The research, titled Portrait of European Travellers with Mobility & Accessibility Needs™, focused on five key markets: the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. The results are revealing: nearly half of respondents take at least one international leisure trip per year. Despite their interest and commitment, their journeys are hindered by numerous challenges—from planning to execution.

One of the most pressing issues these travelers face is the lack of reliable and accessible information. When planning a trip, they often spend hours browsing various websites to confirm essential features such as step-free access, elevators, or adapted bathrooms. This fragmented search not only consumes valuable time but also creates uncertainty and frustration, complicating their travel decisions.

Transportation is another critical area: more than 80% of respondents reported difficulties. These range from insufficient airport assistance and untrained staff to damage to mobility equipment. Public transportation also presents problems, with limited availability of accessible taxis and poor station design. These combined factors make getting around a stressful experience.

Challenges in accommodations also stand out. Many establishments fail to provide clear information about accessibility features on their websites. Details that can make all the difference—like step-free entrances, the presence of elevators, or accessible bathrooms—are often missing. This lack of clarity prevents travelers from booking with confidence and forces them to rely on images or anecdotal reviews.

Economic factors add another layer of complexity. Travelers with special needs often have to allocate a significant portion of their budget to accessibility services. From adapted transportation to personal assistance, these added costs can make travel less affordable or less appealing.

In response to this situation, the report proposes concrete actions: improving transparency of information across all tourism channels (accommodation, transport, destinations), enhancing staff training, adapting infrastructure, and reducing the extra costs that make accessible travel more expensive. The goal is simple: to eliminate barriers and ensure that accessibility becomes a standard, not an exception.

The message of the study is clear and timely: a growing group of European travelers with reduced mobility is already active in the market, but their potential is limited by persistent obstacles. Europe, widely regarded as one of the world’s most attractive destinations, risks losing this segment if it does not act urgently.

Accessibility is not a luxury—it is a responsibility. For destinations, tour operators, and hotels, this represents a major opportunity: improving inclusion means tapping into a growing market and offering a richer travel experience for all. Investing in accessible infrastructure, training personnel, and ensuring clear, accurate information benefits not only those with special needs but raises the standard of service for all travelers.

Looking ahead, tourism stakeholders must take note: fully integrating accessibility into the tourism offering is not a secondary issue—it is essential. It can determine whether destinations maintain a growing flow of tourists with special needs or fall behind and lose competitiveness. In a global landscape where travelers increasingly value inclusion and service quality, committing to accessibility is no longer optional—it is strategic. With the right will, coordination, and commitment, Europe can position itself as a true leader in accessible tourism, improving not only the experience of those with reduced mobility, but also advancing toward a more equitable and inclusive tourism model for all.

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