UN Tourism and AWE release new guidelines to help tourism businesses strengthen accessibility and inclusion

UN Tourism, in cooperation with the Agency for Business and Economic Development (AWE) on behalf of Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), has introduced new Accessibility Guidelines for Tourism Businesses. The guidelines aim to support companies across the sector in adopting practical, achievable measures to improve accessibility and create more inclusive tourism environments.

The publication was released to coincide with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and outlines five actionable steps designed for accommodation providers, travel agencies, transport operators and destinations. These steps focus on expanding customer reach, improving brand reputation and implementing cost-effective upgrades that raise the overall quality of the visitor experience.

UN Tourism Executive Director Zoritsa Urosevic highlighted the value of accessibility for both travellers and the tourism workforce. “As our sector continues to enjoy strong levels of growth, we must ensure that everybody can benefit, whether it’s as a tourist or as part of the diverse tourism workforce,” she said. “These guidelines offer hands-on and achievable steps for every type of tourism business to make accessibility and inclusivity a key pillar of their work, allowing them to reap financial and reputational benefits.”

Susanne Friedrich, Director of AWE, stressed the positive impact the guidelines can generate across the tourism ecosystem. “The publication of these guidelines marks a significant milestone in the partnership between UN Tourism and AWE,” she noted. “We are now reaping the rewards we sowed at the beginning of the year and are proud to have achieved a triple win effect: progress for the tourism industry, improving inclusion for persons with disabilities, and supporting economic progress in developing and emerging countries.”

A significant global market opportunity

More than 1.3 billion people worldwide live with severe disabilities, and nearly half of all people over the age of 60 have accessibility needs. For tourism businesses, failing to consider accessibility can lead to complaints, regulatory penalties or exclusion from public funding. At the same time, customers with disabilities, seniors, and travellers with specific access needs represent up to one third of the global market.

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Low accessibility can result in reputational damage and lost revenue, while inclusive strategies have been shown to strengthen business performance. Companies prioritising disability inclusion report higher revenue growth, improved profit margins and stronger innovation capacity. Research indicates that disability-inclusive companies can achieve up to 28% higher revenue, double the net income and significantly increased economic profit margins.

Practical support for future implementation

The guidelines were prepared in an accessible format by the ONCE Foundation and will be presented at upcoming accessibility-focused events in Ecuador and Cuba. Throughout 2026, UN Tourism and AWE will continue promoting the guidelines and offering support for tourism businesses seeking to adopt more inclusive practices.

With clear steps and measurable benefits, the new guidelines aim to help tourism organisations adapt to growing market expectations while contributing to a more inclusive and competitive global tourism sector.

The article UN Tourism and AWE release new guidelines to help tourism businesses strengthen accessibility and inclusion first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

The post UN Tourism and AWE release new guidelines to help tourism businesses strengthen accessibility and inclusion appeared first on Travel Daily News