{"id":31036,"date":"2026-04-24T11:38:18","date_gmt":"2026-04-24T03:38:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/?post_type=advice&#038;p=31036"},"modified":"2026-04-24T11:38:21","modified_gmt":"2026-04-24T03:38:21","slug":"accessible-tourism-designing-travel-for-everyone","status":"publish","type":"advice","link":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/advice\/accessible-tourism-designing-travel-for-everyone\/","title":{"rendered":"Accessible tourism: designing travel for everyone\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Imagine planning a beach holiday, only to&nbsp;realise&nbsp;there\u2019s&nbsp;no way to get onto the sand. Or booking a&nbsp;tour, but&nbsp;finding&nbsp;there\u2019s&nbsp;no clear information&nbsp;on&nbsp;accessibility. For many&nbsp;travellers&nbsp;with accessibility needs, these barriers are&nbsp;an&nbsp;expected&nbsp;part of the journey&nbsp;\u2013 but, in the future,&nbsp;perhaps&nbsp;they&nbsp;don\u2019t&nbsp;have to be.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the idea behind accessible tourism \u2013 a growing approach focused on designing travel experiences where every part of the journey works for everyone, regardless of ability.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Jump to a section:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#accessible-tourism\">What is accessible tourism?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#important\">Why is accessible tourism important?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#career\">How can I&nbsp;build&nbsp;a career in accessible tourism?<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"accessible-tourism\">What is accessible tourism?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Accessible tourism is about designing travel experiences that everyone can enjoy. It focuses on creating trips that are usable,&nbsp;inclusive&nbsp;and empowering for people of all abilities, including:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>people with physical,&nbsp;sensory&nbsp;or cognitive impairments&nbsp;o<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>older&nbsp;travellers&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>families with young children.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It goes beyond wheelchair ramps or adapted transport.&nbsp;It\u2019s&nbsp;about&nbsp;designing&nbsp;every part of the journey,&nbsp;so&nbsp;travellers&nbsp;feel supported,&nbsp;comfortable&nbsp;and independent.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At Curtin,&nbsp;this approach is reflected in how tourism is taught&nbsp;in our&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/offering\/course-ug-tourism-and-hospitality-major--mjru-trhos\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bachelor of Commerce (Tourism and Hospitality)<\/a>&nbsp;degree, with a focus on inclusivity,&nbsp;sustainability&nbsp;and creating experiences that work for diverse&nbsp;travellers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Curtin Professor Kirsten Holmes&nbsp;is the co-director of Curtin\u2019s Tourism Research Cluster&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;and an expert on&nbsp;inclusive tourism.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cAs part of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/offering\/course-ug-tourism-and-hospitality-major--mjru-trhos\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Curtin\u2019s tourism course<\/a>, I teach a unit called Responsible Tourism Management,\u201d she explains. \u201cWe examine direct and indirect access issues, social tourism and the discrimination experienced by LGBTIQ+ tourists.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p>\u201cWe look at how people with disabilities manage their travel, for example, dehydrating themselves before flights so they\u00a0won\u2019t\u00a0need to use airline bathrooms, and how tourism businesses are adapting to their needs.\u201d\u00a0<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">So, what does accessible tourism look like in practice?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Accessible tourism can take many forms, depending on the needs of&nbsp;clients.&nbsp;In practice, this might include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Physical accessibility<\/strong>&nbsp;(eg:&nbsp;ramps, lifts, accessible restrooms, beach wheelchairs, or hotel rooms with roll-in showers)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sensory-friendly experiences&nbsp;<\/strong>(eg:&nbsp;braille signage, tactile&nbsp;exhibits&nbsp;or&nbsp;audio-described tours)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Inclusive environments<\/strong>&nbsp;(eg:&nbsp;quiet hours, low-sensory spaces, and clear, easy-to-navigate signage)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Accessible information and services<\/strong>&nbsp;(eg:&nbsp;websites compatible with screen readers, trained&nbsp;staff, and clear pre-travel information)&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>As a&nbsp;tourism&nbsp;professional, these are the&nbsp;details that can transform a standard trip into a&nbsp;standout&nbsp;inclusive experience&nbsp;for clients.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/AdobeStock_1982440817-1000x500.jpg\" alt=\"Woman in wheelchair smiling at flowers\" class=\"wp-image-31033\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/AdobeStock_1982440817-1000x500.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/AdobeStock_1982440817-740x370.jpg 740w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/AdobeStock_1982440817-480x240.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/AdobeStock_1982440817-1260x630.jpg 1260w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/AdobeStock_1982440817-1520x760.jpg 1520w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"important\">Why is accessible tourism important?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Accessible tourism is becoming increasingly important as Australia\u2019s population \u2013 and the global travel market \u2013 evolves.&nbsp;According to Austrade, 18% of Australians (around 4.4 million people)&nbsp;have&nbsp;a disability, while a further 22% (5.5 million) have a long-term health condition.&nbsp;In 2024 alone,&nbsp;travellers&nbsp;with accessibility needs and their companions made more than 70 million trips in Australia, spending&nbsp;nearly&nbsp;$29.2 billion.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Professor Holmes&nbsp;highlights why&nbsp;this matters:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cProviding access to tourism is important for several reasons,\u201d she says.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p>\u201cEthically, everyone should have the opportunity to experience the health and wellbeing benefits of travel and time away from everyday life. Legally, businesses must ensure they are not discriminating against&nbsp;different groups. And from a business perspective, limiting access means limiting your customer&nbsp;base, particularly as people with&nbsp;additional&nbsp;needs rarely travel on their own.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s&nbsp;also important to remember that not all disabilities are visible. Some&nbsp;travellers&nbsp;may have chronic illness, sensory sensitivities, cognitive conditions, or mental health challenges that&nbsp;impact&nbsp;how they experience travel, whether that be for leisure or business.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cAccessible tourism is just as important for business tourism, especially conferences,\u201d Professor Holmes explains.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s&nbsp;common to see quiet rooms for delegates with sensory issues and for keynote speakers and panels to&nbsp;represent&nbsp;a diverse range of participants. This is vital to prevent ongoing inequities in people\u2019s careers.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"career\">How can I&nbsp;build&nbsp;a career in accessible tourism?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Accessible tourism is opening the door to a wide range of meaningful,&nbsp;creative careers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You could be involved in designing inclusive resorts, developing immersive tours for&nbsp;travellers&nbsp;with sensory impairments, or creating digital tools that make booking travel easier for everyone.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Careers in this space include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83e\udded Tourism development manager&nbsp;<br>\ud83d\udce3 Destination marketing specialist&nbsp;<br>\ud83c\udfa8 Experience designer&nbsp;<br>\u267f Accessibility consultant&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With Curtin\u2019s highly ranked&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/offering\/course-ug-tourism-and-hospitality-major--mjru-trhos\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bachelor of Commerce (Tourism and Hospitality)<\/a>, you can gain the knowledge&nbsp;and skills&nbsp;to thrive in this growing industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Curtin ranks&nbsp;first in Western Australia and third in Australia&nbsp;for Hospitality and Tourism Management (Global Ranking of Academic Subjects,&nbsp;2025), and our programs are certified by the United Nations,&nbsp;recognising&nbsp;excellence in tourism education.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"testimonial-single\">\n    \n            <div class=\"block testimonial\"  data-segment=\"dom\">\n                                        <div class=\"testimonial__content\">\n            <span class=\"ico ico-quotes ico--lime\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\"><path d=\"M8.44 16a5.7 5.7 0 0 0-1.67.2c.59-3.34 3.92-7.36 7.06-9.22L9.12 3.2C3.73 7 0 13.11 0 19.87c0 5.69 3.53 8.93 7.55 8.93a6.67 6.67 0 0 0 6.67-6.67A5.83 5.83 0 0 0 8.44 16zM26.21 16a5.67 5.67 0 0 0-1.66.2c.58-3.34 3.92-7.36 7.06-9.22L26.9 3.2c-5.4 3.8-9.12 9.91-9.12 16.67 0 5.69 3.53 8.93 7.55 8.93A6.67 6.67 0 0 0 32 22.13 5.84 5.84 0 0 0 26.21 16z\"\/><\/svg><\/span>\n                            <h4 class=\"testimonial__meta\"><\/h4>\n                                        <div class=\"testimonial__testimonial small\"><p>\u201cAs an international student, I chose Curtin for its global reputation. Whether I build my career in Australia or return to Europe, this degree will be highly respected and open doors internationally. The university\u2019s strong focus on industry connections and practical experience\u00a0prepared me for a professional career.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Massimiliano Apolloni, Bachelor of Commerce (Tourism and Hospitality, and Marketing)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n\n<p>With Curtin\u2019s&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/offering\/course-ug-bachelor-of-commerce--b-comrce\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bachelor of Commerce<\/a>&nbsp;degree, you&nbsp;can choose from two different tourism and hospitality majors.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/offering\/course-ug-tourism-and-hospitality-major--mjru-trhos\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tourism and Hospitality<\/a>&nbsp;focuses on designing innovative destinations, managing events and resorts, and understanding sustainability and marketing. It can also be studied as part of a double degree with a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/offering\/course-ug-bachelor-of-arts-bachelor-of-commerce--bb-artcom\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bachelor of Arts.<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to build your international experience, our&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/offering\/course-ug-tourism-and-hospitality-global-major--mjru-trhog\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tourism and Hospitality Global<\/a><strong>&nbsp;<\/strong>major allows you to study across Curtin\u2019s international campuses, gaining exposure to diverse cultures and tourism markets.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whichever major you choose,&nbsp;you\u2019ll&nbsp;develop your skills in creativity,&nbsp;problem-solving&nbsp;and sustainable practices \u2013 ideal for building a successful career in accessible tourism.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"testimonial-single\">\n    \n            <div class=\"block testimonial\"  data-segment=\"dom\">\n                                        <div class=\"testimonial__content\">\n            <span class=\"ico ico-quotes ico--lime\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\"><path d=\"M8.44 16a5.7 5.7 0 0 0-1.67.2c.59-3.34 3.92-7.36 7.06-9.22L9.12 3.2C3.73 7 0 13.11 0 19.87c0 5.69 3.53 8.93 7.55 8.93a6.67 6.67 0 0 0 6.67-6.67A5.83 5.83 0 0 0 8.44 16zM26.21 16a5.67 5.67 0 0 0-1.66.2c.58-3.34 3.92-7.36 7.06-9.22L26.9 3.2c-5.4 3.8-9.12 9.91-9.12 16.67 0 5.69 3.53 8.93 7.55 8.93A6.67 6.67 0 0 0 32 22.13 5.84 5.84 0 0 0 26.21 16z\"\/><\/svg><\/span>\n                            <h4 class=\"testimonial__meta\"><\/h4>\n                                        <div class=\"testimonial__testimonial small\"><p>\u201cI\u00a0participated\u00a0in the ACICIS Sustainable Tourism Professional Practicum in Indonesia for seven weeks. I\u00a0also\u00a0gained hands-on experience in Indonesia\u2019s tourism industry\u00a0and\u00a0joined Curtin\u2019s Global Scholars Program on a one-week study tour to Sri Lanka during the winter break. These experiences shaped my goal to work in global tourism, with a focus on sustainability and community impact.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Ciara O\u2019Hanlon, Bachelor of Commerce (Tourism and Hospitality, and Marketing)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Designing for inclusion: from classroom to industry&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At Curtin,&nbsp;you\u2019ll&nbsp;have opportunities to take part in initiatives like the Accessibility Challenge \u2013 a hands-on, challenge-based experience that brings together students from different disciplines to rethink accessibility in diverse&nbsp;fields.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Through real-world projects,&nbsp;you\u2019ll&nbsp;learn how to&nbsp;identify&nbsp;barriers and apply inclusive design principles to create more accessible experiences.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To hear how these ideas come to life in practice, listen to Curtin graduate Despina&nbsp;Karatzias&nbsp;share her insights on accessible tourism in the Tourism Hub Podcast.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"036 \u23a2Tourism and Accessibility: Challenge-Based Learning Insights from Curtin University\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Dk6vZvU4TDA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does this trend mean for the future?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Accessible tourism is more than a niche \u2013&nbsp;it\u2019s&nbsp;a key trend reshaping business and innovation.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Professor Holmes&nbsp;says:&nbsp;\u201cAs accessibility becomes more important to tourism businesses, knowledge of this topic is essential across all areas of work \u2013 from destination planning and policy to accommodation, transport,&nbsp;attractions&nbsp;and events. With an ageing population, demand for accessible travel experiences will only continue to grow.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0ready to shape inclusive travel experiences, explore our\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/offering\/course-ug-tourism-and-hospitality-major--mjru-trhos\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tourism and Hospitality<\/a><strong>\u00a0<\/strong>or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/offering\/course-ug-tourism-and-hospitality-global-major--mjru-trhog\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tourism and Hospitality Global<\/a>\u00a0majors.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Imagine planning a beach holiday, only to\u00a0realise\u00a0there\u2019s\u00a0no way to get onto the sand. Or booking a\u00a0tour, but\u00a0finding\u00a0there\u2019s\u00a0no clear information\u00a0on\u00a0accessibility. For many\u00a0travellers\u00a0with accessibility needs, these barriers are\u00a0an\u00a0expected\u00a0part of the journey\u00a0\u2013 but, in the future,\u00a0perhaps\u00a0they\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0have to be.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2670,"featured_media":31034,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"_oasis_is_in_workflow":0,"_oasis_original":0,"_oasis_task_priority":"","_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"7089,4579,4654,7847,4714,4718","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","wds_primary_category":49,"footnotes":""},"categories":[49],"tags":[383],"class_list":["post-31036","advice","type-advice","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business-innovation-and-law","tag-business"],"acf":{"post_options":{"":null,"additional_content":{"title":"","content":"","image":false},"related_courses":[{"title":"Tourism and Hospitality","qualification":"Bachelor of Commerce","link":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/offering\/course-ug-tourism-and-hospitality-major--mjru-trhos\/","description":"","faculty":"Curtin Business School"},{"title":"Tourism and Hospitality Global","qualification":"Bachelor of Commerce","link":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/offering\/course-ug-tourism-and-hospitality-global-major--mjru-trhog\/","description":"","faculty":"Curtin Business School"}],"credits":{"author":"","photographer":"","media":false},"display_author":true,"banner":{"image":false}}},"featured_image":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/AdobeStock_353292769-1000x500.jpg","author_meta":{"first_name":"Anne","last_name":"Griffin-Appadoo","display_name":"Anne Griffin-Appadoo"},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/advice\/31036","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/advice"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/advice"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2670"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/advice\/31036\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/31034"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31036"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=31036"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=31036"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}