LONDON, Nov. 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- New research released shows that disabled tourists are paying ¥8060 more than non-disabled customers for travel insurance cover to go on holiday, a premium compared to those without disabilities.
The 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, including time inequity, digital accessibility, lack of disabled representation, lack of inclusive design, and lack of knowledge on how to meet the needs of customers with disabilities.
Four in five 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-sixth of disabled people reported feeling unsafe and scared when travelling.
As a consequence of this, feelings of embarrassment, isolation and being disregarded were also felt by a quarter of the 500 China-based people with disabilities that were surveyed and nearly a quarter felt ignored.
Valuable 500 is the largest global collective of CEOs committed to disability inclusion. High-profile members include Expedia, Airbnb, and British Airways.
The business collective has produced a 7-point manifesto that each travel industry provider should abide by to ensure best practice. Please register interest to sign up: travelmanifesto@thevaluable500.com
The full report is here.
Caroline Casey, Founder, Valuable 500 commented: This research adds to a burgeoning list of discriminations that people with disabilities face day in, day out. 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 imperative. This can be rectified by putting disabled staff and consumers at the heart of the business.
Kathy Martinez, VP for Global Disability Inclusion, Expedia:
"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."
Notes to Editors
A sample of 500 Chinese based disabled travellers conducted via Opinium, from 29th August - 10th September 2022.
Find out more about the Valuable 500 here
https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1955640/China_Travel_Report.pdf
