The value of accessible travel
Creating an inclusive destination benefits everyone. Building capacity for accessibility in tourism not only fosters inclusivity but also makes good business sense by expanding the customer base, enhancing brand reputation, and meeting the growing demand for accessible travel options.
“According to a recent report from MMGY Global, “Portrait of Travelers with Disabilities: Mobility and Accessibility,” approximately 12.5 million disabled people traveled in 2018-19. Factoring in the growth of baby boomers expected to acquire a disability as they age, MMGY estimates that number to nearly triple to 33.4 million by 2028. Travelers with mobility disabilities spend $58.2 billion per year on travel, MMGY found, and take leisure trips with nearly the same frequency as those without mobility issues”. State of accessible travel: Travel Weekly (2022)
Ottawa has developed a reputation for hosting inclusive events which draw visitors of all abilities to the community. Ottawa has hosted or is committed to host the following events:
- 2019 YONEX Canada Para-Badminton International
- 2024 Canadian Boccia Championship
- 2025 Special Olympics Ontario School Championships
- 2026 World Wheelchair Basketball Championships
Program overview
Ottawa Tourism is launching its first member capacity building program, focusing on accessibility. This program is designed for any industry member committed to improving accessibility in their business, no matter their current level of accessibility awareness and infrastructure.
Ottawa Tourism’s Capacity Building Program, Addressing Accessibility, reflects the tourism community's shared commitment to supporting travelers facing barriers. It ensures businesses work towards more inclusive experiences by providing visitors with clear, up-to-date information on accessibility features, empowering them to make informed travel decisions within Ottawa.
The first iteration of this program will focus primarily on para-accessibility for visitors who are wheelchair users in preparation for the upcoming World Wheelchair Basketball Championships. The program is designed to support members in building capacity and continuous improvement to the accessibility of their business. The cohort approach to capacity building allows members to learn from one another and leverage the strengths of the group to build capacity together.
The program is offered in English only.
Eligibility
This program is open to Ottawa Tourism members that meet the following criteria:
- are industry members of Ottawa Tourism
- are committed to building capacity through continuous improvement
Program benefits
As participating members build capacity through the program, they will become eligible for additional benefits and opportunities through Ottawa Tourism’s sales and marketing reach.
- Exposure on Ottawa Tourism website as a provider of accessibility information on your member listing
- Eligible for inclusion in accessibility focused content through itineraries, blogs, and other marketing content
- Priority access to Tourism Accessibility Funding, where available and eligible
- Access to training and resources
- Invitation to educational events and peer-to-peer networking
- Inclusion in promotional materials for World Wheelchair Basketball Championship
- Eligible for inclusion on travel media itineraries, where applicable
- Access to business events, major events and travel trade leads that specify accessibility requirements
The commitment
Eligible businesses will be asked to dedicate an accessibility champion to participate in the program. The program is designed to be self-paced, allowing members the flexibility to work at their own speed, however, Ottawa Tourism will work alongside the cohort to offer opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and resources that can be leveraged to make considerable strides within a six-twelve month period; in time to welcome the 2026 IWBF World Wheelchair Basketball Championships in August 2026.
Sample program plan
- Cohort Kick-off: Meet the group, share your journey, and learn how to get started.
- Update your Member Profile: Work with Ottawa Tourism to ensure your profile includes up-to-date information.
- Review Website Accessibility: Assess your business website and work together to incorporate more comprehensive useful accessibility information.
- Complete Rick Hansen Training: Participate in training sponsored by Ottawa Tourism.
- Site Visit with Accessibility Expert: Observe wheelchair user barriers firsthand by shadowing a site visit and welcome an accessibility expert to your business to gain first hand insights.
- Create Action Plan: Develop a plan to improve wheelchair accommodation through business process and training adjustments.
