Accessible Tourism

Globally, more than 1.3 billion people live with a disability and another 2 billion provide care or support. That’s nearly a third of the world’s population directly affected by accessibility needs. Yet this market is still underserved in travel and tourism. The UN World Tourism Organization calls accessible tourism a “game-changer” that can extend your season, create jobs and build a positive reputation for your business. By improving accessibility, you’re helping remove barriers and giving your business a competitive edge.

Not sure how to begin? Here are a few tips:

The Accessibility for Manitobans Act (AMA) is provincial law that helps businesses identify, remove and prevent barriers. It sets minimum requirements all Manitoba organizations must follow.

There are five accessibility standards under the AMA, but three are most relevant for tourism operators:

• Accessible Customer Service – Make sure your customer service is respectful and barrier-free. Every business with at least one employee must comply.
• Accessible Employment – Ensure fair and barrier-free hiring, retention and workplace practices.
• Accessible Information & Communication – From your website to your printed brochures, make sure information is available in ways everyone can access.

You can access free online training through the AMA Learning Portal.

Accessible facilities are only part of the picture and your staff’s knowledge and attitude make the biggest difference. For example: If your accessible room has a handheld shower, but staff don’t know that it should be left at a lower height, a guest might struggle to reach it.

Training can help staff:

• Learn the needs of people with different abilities.
• Recognize unconscious bias.
• Provide respectful, barrier-free service.

Where to learn more:

• Manitoba Possible offers tailored workshops (in-person or virtual).
• Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities (MLPD) provides accessibility reviews, policy support and staff training.

Many travellers research accessibility online before booking. Make it easy for them to find the information they need by:

• Creating a dedicated ​ ​Accessibility Page with clear details (include photos, measurements and features like ramps, washrooms or service animals welcome).
• Adding visible buttons so guests can contact you with questions.
• Ensuring your site meets Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1, Level AA) — this is required by The Accessibility for Manitobans Act.
• Posting your accessibility plan (if available) and updating regularly.

The Manitoba Accessibility Fund, run by the Department of Families, offers yearly funding for projects that:

• Improve customer service accessibility.
• Support barrier-free employment practices.
• Make information and communication more inclusive.

Check intake dates and eligibility at the link above before applying. Read more about some Manitoba tourism attractions who have received funding for accessibility initiatives here.

Inclusive workplaces benefit everyone. The Tourism Workplace Accessibility Clinic, offered through Tourism HR, connects you with skilled, local talent from an often-overlooked pool. This service is free for tourism and hospitality employers in Canada.