All Aboard. Driving the Transition to Accessible Tourism. Insights and Tools for Action
Cover image: A man with black hair wearing a white t-shirt on a hill of sand kneels, with head downwards, as he casts sand upwards with both hands
Share on social media
Through a set of hands-on tools, this book offers insight into the full travel chain and the diverse needs of potential travellers.
Author: Veroniek Maat
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-2499-0961
Editor: Nicole Eva Franssen
Publisher: Inholland University for Applied Sciences,
Rotterdam. Research Group New Urban Tourism and
Expertise Network Sustainable Urban Tourism
First press, April 2026
146 pages.
Available online in Dutch and English
Do you want to build practical knowledge of accessible tourism? This book is for you.
These tools help you understand personal considerations across the customer journey. Frontstage Tools support your communication with travellers, while Backstage Tools guide you in implementing accessible tourism in behind the stage, from identifying partners to developing an accessibility policy.
The first part of the book explores why accessibility matters and what disability entails. Drawing on real travel experiences, it highlights both barriers and successes, while perspectives from disability studies provide a strong theoretical foundation. You will also explore the distinction between inclusive and accessible tourism. In addition, the book examines the economic value of accessibility, the growing attention it receives within the tourism sector, and, crucially, what organizations can do today to take meaningful steps forward.
Tourism is in transition. Inclusion and accessibility are no longer optional, they are essential. The question is: how will you contribute?
Disclaimer
This book has been written and designed with care and aims to present a range of perspectives as fully and as fairly as possible. Where feasible, the content has been developed in consultation with those involved, including the acknowledgement of their names. Where this was not possible, or where individuals preferred not to be named, identities have been anonymised. The content is based on literature review, qualitative research, and the professional and personal experiences of the author, contributors, and supervisors. Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, no rights may be derived from the content of this book.*
*This book offers suggestions and practical guidance for working towards accessibility, but it is not intended as a definitive set of rules. The field of accessible tourism is continuously evolving; insights and regulations may change after publication.