Tourexpi
UN Tourism and Germany pave the way towards inclusive employment and accessibility
Putting inclusive tourism in the spotlight
1.3 billion people live with a significant disability worldwide, with 80% of them living in developing countries and emerging destinations.
When people with disabilities do travel, they are accompanied by 2 to 3 other people. Including accessibility in a business strategy entails new sources of revenue and better economic performance.
Yet despite progress in recent years, discrimination and other barriers still prevent people with disabilities from travelling or working in tourism.
Many job applicants with disabilities don’t see tourism as a viable career path; Businesses are missing out on immense resources of workforce talent and new clients.
Highlighting solutions for the inclusive employment and better access
UN Tourism and BMZ came together at ITB Berlin 2025 to raise awareness of the wide range of benefits of accessible tourism; They called for a more inclusive sector through international cooperation - to create more jobs, open up travel to more people and build more resilient communities.
A tourism that:
- fosters awareness of the benefits of implementing accessibility, not as a charity - but as a long-term investment;
- engages in social and digital innovation benefitting people and communities; and
- better serves this billion-dollar market of consumers and employees.
The joint event at ITB brought together industry leaders to discuss approaches for creating better workplaces and services in tourism for all, in developed and emerging economies.
A report is also planned to showcase good practices promoted in Berlin; These include examples from Albania, Austria, Ecuador, Germany, India, Jordan and Morocco, as well as international success stories championed by the World Sustainable Hospitably Alliance, Amadeus, European Network for Accessible Tourism and European Disability Forum.
The recommendations, to be also published within the report, will focus on:
- working with end-users with disabilities to understand their needs;
- building a business case of accessibility;
- upskilling employees; and
- adapting job descriptions and workplace environments so people with disabilities can directly apply to work in hospitality.
Image Credit: © UN Tourism
The most interesting news
Global Travel Buyer Index (GTBI): Current situation assessed more cautiously - expectation
Dr. Fried & Partner and ITB Berlin publish the results of the Global Travel Buyer Index (GTBI) for the second quarter of 2025.
easyJet and easyJet holidays announce 11 new routes and package holidays
easyJet and easyJet holidays have revealed 11 new routes from Newcastle Airport for summer 2026, with thousands of package holidays now on sale today to the range of brand-new destinations.
Emirates forges interline partnership with Bahamasair
Emirates and Bahamasair have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish an interline partnership benefitting customers travelling to The Bahamas.
Riyadh Air partners with Air France-KLM!
Riyadh Air, a new airline from Saudi Arabia, has just signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Air France-KLM. This means they are teaming up to work together and create special connections between their airlines. Imagine flying to amazing places ar
Northern Lights meet City Heights: Finnair announces route to Toronto
Set to launch on 4 May 2026, the connection will bridge Finnair’s home hub, Helsinki, with Toronto, Canada’s largest city and a global leader in business, finance, technology, entertainment, and culture.
Pet Travel just got upgraded
Pet travel has just been upgraded with the unveiling today of Irish Ferries’ brand-new “Pet Den” lounges. And, while dogs, cats, and even ferrets have always been welcome onboard Irish Ferries vessels, they can now travel in elevated comfort an
Palma's beaches (Mallorca) will lose 1,750 sun loungers in 2026 due to rising sea levels.
Palma's beaches (Mallorca) will lose 1,750 sun loungers by 2026 due to rising sea levels | Photo: Giulio Ris
Tanzania to host World Travel Awards Africa and Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2025
World Travel Awards (WTA) will host its Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2025 in the enchanting nation of Tanzania, with travel industry leaders from across the region attending the VIP reception at Johari Rotana Dar es Salaam on 28 June 2025.
Lufthansa Group and ITA Airways: Codeshares now also possible on long-haul flights
Sales launch of codeshare connections for long-haul flights from July 1, 2025
History happened here: Historic Hotels and Palatial Retreats across Kempinski’s Global Portfolio
From the banks of the Bosphorus to the capitals of Europe, Kempinski Hotels features a collection of historic hotels and magnificent palaces steeped in history
IHG Hotels and Resorts acquires Ruby, its 20th brand, and targets global expansion
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (IHG) has acquired from Ruby SARL the RubyTM brand and related intellectual property for initial purchase consideration of €110.5m (~$116m1). Ruby is a premium urban lifestyle brand for modern travellers in must-vi
Emblems Collection announces first flagship with Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa
Currently operating as a renowned country house hotel, Lucknam Park will officially join the Emblems Collection in Q4 2025. This landmark moment will see the British icon as the first Emblems property celebrating intimate luxury, unique character, el
Shaikha Al Nowais Nominated as First Woman Secretary-General of UN
The UN Tourism Executive Council has met again for a milestone session to build on the legacy of the last eight years. Meeting for its 123rd session, the Council assessed progress made around the priorities of innovation, investments and education an
Rosewood Mandarina opens on the xhores of Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit
Marking the beginning of a new era of luxury in Mexico, the highly anticipated Rosewood Mandarina welcomes guests to enjoy the captivating energy and cultural reverence of the Pacific coast. Nearly a decade in the making, this all-suite sanctuary was
Thailand strengthens regional Tourism Cooperation with GMS and Bhutan at TTM+ 2025
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) strengthened regional tourism cooperation by bringing together agencies from the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) and representatives from the Kingdom of Bhutan during Thailand’s premier travel trade event, Tha
Seoul Releases Global Tourism Campaign Featuring Star Chef Edward Lee
The Seoul Tourism Organization is set to release a global promotional campaign featuring renowned star Chef and Seoul Honorary Ambassador, Edward Lee.
Turkish Airlines turns up the heat with extra summer flights
Turkish Airlines is ramping up its summer 2025 schedule with additional flights from the UK and Ireland to Istanbul and beyond.
TAP Air Portugal launches direct flight from Terceira to San Francisco
TAP Air Portugal has launched a direct flight from the Azores to San Francisco, connecting UK and Irish passengers travelling via Portugal to California.
IHG Hotels & Resorts signs dual-branded property in London’s vibrant Waterloo
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, announces the signing of a dual branded hotel complex in Central London: voco hotel London – Waterloo and Hotel Indigo & Suites London – Waterloo. Signed in partnership wit
Etihad and Ethiopian Airlines start strategic codeshare partnership
Etihad and Ethiopian Airlines activated their codeshare agreement, strengthening connectivity between Africa and Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. This bilateral partnership enhances global travel opportunities for guests, with seats available to
Turkish Airlines Signature Podcast and Videocast Series Completes its First Season
With the debut of its signature podcast and videocast, Turkish Airlines Series, the brand has taken a step into audio-visual storytelling, offering curated travel content, inspiring insights, and insider perspectives from Türkiye and beyond.
