CrescentRating Insights Vol. 03: Embracing Accessible Travel: Making the World Inclusive for All

The third volume of CrescentRating's Insight Series, reports on the vital significance of accessible travel in creating an inclusive tourism industry. This edition focuses on the often overlooked demographic of 1.3 billion people globally who live with disabilities, which is approximately 16% of the world’s population. This sizable group holds considerable economic influence, as demonstrated by their travel expenditure, which was estimated at $58.7 billion.

Travelers with disabilities face numerous obstacles that hinder their full participation in tourism, including inadequate transportation infrastructure, inaccessible facilities, and a lack of comprehensive information about services tailored to their needs. Recognizing and addressing these barriers is crucial for enhancing the travel experience for people with disabilities and tapping into a market with immense potential.

Islamic principles, which emphasize compassion, inclusivity, and community welfare, align with the goals of accessible tourism. These values advocate for the accommodation of all travelers, including those with disabilities. In this perspective, Islamic values fit well into accessible travel and tourism practices. With accessible travel, the industry can also meet the needs of Muslims, promoting a more inclusive environment that respects cultural and religious considerations.

Furthermore, the report indicates the broader implications of improving accessibility in tourism, including the potential for increased economic benefits and the promotion of a more equitable and inclusive society, guided by comprehensive frameworks. The Accessible Travel Framework (ATF) introduced in this insight serves as a comprehensive guide to assist destinations and service providers in developing accessible tourism strategies that are mindful of the needs of all travelers and incorporate the ethical and cultural considerations of Islamic principles. This is then corroborated by a comparative study of destinations that are known for their accessibility and examples that can be implemented.

This year's edition of CrescentRating's Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) offers new in-depth analysis and benchmarking of destinations that not only cater to the Muslim market but also emphasize accessible travel into its Environment criterion, aligned with the ATF. By evaluating destinations based on their accessibility, facilities, and services, the GMTI helps to identify best practices and areas of improvement, encouraging destinations to adopt more inclusive and Muslim-friendly practices. The inclusion of ATF in GMTI works to highlight the importance of inclusivity, respect, and community support, thus helping to foster a more accommodating and respectful global travel environment.

Find out more about accessible travel in our full report

#CrescentRatingInsights #TourismReport #AccessibleTravel #Accessibility