USA, 27/28 November: New research released today shows that disabled tourists are paying $460 more than non-disabled customers for travel insurance cover to go on holiday, a significant premium compared to those without disabilities or medical conditions.

People with disabilities have to factor in extra costs whilst planning their holidays and face discriminatory insurance quotes to ensure their needs are covered. The survey findings come at a time when inflation is placing undue pressure on those with disabilities, who already face significant additional costs in their day-to-day lives.

The research also looked at the other barriers disabled tourists face whilst travelling. These include a broad range of considerations, including time inequity, digital accessibility, a lack of disabled representation, lack of inclusive design, and a lack of knowledge of disability and how to meet the needs of customers with disabilities.

Two in three disabled people face stressful and unsafe situations when travelling due to a lack of accessibility. One-fifth of disabled people reported feeling unsafe and scared when travelling and one in ten were not able to access a toilet.

As a consequence of this, feelings of embarrassment, isolation and being disregarded were also felt by a quarter of the 1000 US based disabled tourists that were surveyed, and nearly a quarter (21%) felt ignored.

The findings raise questions around the accuracy of insurance algorithms for disabled customers – and whether they are providing disproportionately high quotes for those with declared disabilities.

The financial penalty of insurance that disabled customers must face to go on holiday is another example of how people with disabilities are overlooked and underserved by the travel industry, and frequently find themselves in desperate situations whilst travelling.

The Valuable 500 is urging the travel industry to make small, achievable changes that have a big impact on their customers with disabilities. For example, ensuring their websites are digitally accessible for all, and providing staff with appropriate training to cater for all needs – including both visible and non-visible disabilities.

The Valuable 500 is the largest global collective of CEOs committed to disability inclusion. The network was launched at the 2019 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, with a mission to systematically transform business to include the 1.3 billion people living with disabilities worldwide. It now has a combined revenue of over $8 trillion, combined market cap of $23 trillion and employs 22 million people worldwide. High profile members include Expedia, Airbnb, Heathrow Airport, and British Airways.

The research was conducted with Opinium. The research was launched to a field of 1,000 disabled customers who use travel and tourism industry services.

The business collective has released a 7-point manifesto that each travel industry provider should abide by to ensure best practice. To be part of this please register interest at the following email: [email protected].

The full report is available here: USA Key Findings 2022 Report.

This research adds to a burgeoning list of discrimination that people with disabilities face daily. When a hotel, restaurant or transport provider is inaccessible you’re leaving a proportion of business on the table.  The global spending power of people with disabilities is estimated to be $13 trillion annually, so the business case for the travel industry to put accessibility first, and not as an afterthought is absolutely imperative. This can be rectified by putting disabled staff and consumers at the heart of the travel business. If you put inclusive and accessible design at the heart of the business, it not only gives access to the disability market but it’s better for everyone.

Caroline Casey, Founder, Valuable 500

This research shows that the travel and tourism industry is simply not doing enough to cater for the needs of people with disabilities. We’re paying through the nose to ensure we’re adequately covered by insurance and continue to face degrading experiences whilst travelling too. Enough is enough – disabled travellers deserve to be treated with respect by the travel industry – without fear, discrimination and humiliation.

Jennie Berry, disability activist and founder, Wheelie Good Life

Travel strengthens connections and broadens horizons, yet historic, physical and societal barriers often limit equitable access to travel. Disability is a natural part of the human condition. Everyone should have the right to travel, no matter their ability. Expedia Group is committed to creating a more open world and lessening equity gaps. By collaborating with our vast network of partners on resources like our Lodging Accessibility Guide, we are able to share best practices and work together towards a collective goal to ensure travellers with disabilities are valued and included.

Kathy Martinez, VP for Global Disability Inclusion, Expedia

Media Contacts

Ryan Curtis-Johnson, Director of Communications, the Valuable 500

 

Lara Prince, Seven Hills

Notes to Editors

Research is based on a sample of 1,000 US based disabled travellers conducted via Opinium, from 29th August – 10th September 2022.

About Valuable 500

The Valuable 500 was launched at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in January 2019. Today the Valuable 500 is the largest community of Global CEOs committed to disability inclusion in business.

Since its creation, the Valuable 500 has achieved its initial goal of getting 500 multinational organisations to make a public commitment to disability inclusion in their organisation, igniting a historic global movement for a new age of diversity in business. The Valuable 500 and their global impact partner The Nippon Foundation, will be working closely with the World Economic Forum and International Disability Alliance – bringing together a leading philanthropic organisation with the most prestigious global business network and the voice of the global disability community.

By engaging with the world’s most influential business leaders and brands, the network now has a market cap of over $23 trillion, combined revenues of over $8 trillion and employs a staggering 22 million people worldwide. Its members include 15 global CEOs and companies who will be spearheading the programmes and services to be offered under Phase 2 of the transformation programme.

The Valuable 500 is determined to create a community that supports and empowers its 500 members to systematically transform their businesses, so they include the 1.3 billion people living with disabilities worldwide, thereby unlocking their business, social and economic potential.

We believe that if business takes a lead, society and government will follow. Truly inclusive businesses can build truly inclusive societies.