Australia, 27/28 November: New research shows that disabled tourists are paying AUD $560 more than non-disabled customers for travel insurance cover to go on holiday, a significant premium compared to those without disabilities.

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.

Three in five (60%) listed at least one challenge they faced while travelling due to the agent or provider they were using not being accessible to disabled people. One-fifth of disabled people reported feeling unsafe and scared when travelling.

Because of this, feelings of embarrassment, isolation and being disregarded were also felt by a quarter of the respondents that were surveyed.

The Valuable 500 is the largest global collective of CEOs committed to disability inclusion. High profile members include Expedia, Airbnb, Heathrow Airport, and British Airways.

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: Australia 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, its not only gives access to the disability market but it’s better for everyone.

Caroline Casey, Founder, Valuable 500

 

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 at Expedia

 

Media Contacts

Ryan Curtis Johnson, Director of the Collective, the Valuable 500

 

Lara Prince, Seven Hills

Notes to Editors

Research is based on a sample of 500 Australian based disabled travellers conducted via Opinium, from 29th August – 10th September 2022.

About the 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.