How small accessibility changes create more welcoming tours for everyone

You want every guest to feel welcome on your tours, but that might mean making changes to your existing tour business set up. Maybe a traveler has asked about wheelchair access, and you didn’t have an answer. Or maybe you’ve thought about making your experiences more inclusive, but assumed it required major renovations.

Here’s the good news: creating inclusive experiences doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Small, thoughtful changes can open your tours to more people, regardless of their mobility, sensory, or communication needs.

At the heart of accessibility is a simple truth: every traveler deserves to feel safe, comfortable, and included. When you make space for everyone you provide experiences that people remember for all the right reasons, you build community, and strengthen your reputation.

Let’s explore how you can make your tours more inclusive — no major construction required.

Get to know your guests: What accessibility really means

Accessibility isn’t one-size-fits-all. The best way to welcome every traveler is to understand the range of needs that might come up on your tours. And remember — not all disabilities are visible.

Here are some of the most common accessibility needs to consider:

• Mobility – This includes guests who use wheelchairs, walkers, or canes, as well as those who need seating or rest stops along the way. Think about pathways, steps, transportation, and seating size and availability.
• Sensory – Bright lights, loud noises, and crowded spaces can overwhelm guests with sensory processing differences. Offering quiet areas, noise-level guidance, or visual schedules can make a big difference.
• Hearing – Guests who are deaf or hard of hearing benefit from visual instructions, captioned videos, or guides trained in basic sign language. Written materials also help ensure nothing gets missed.
• Cognitive – Travelers with autism, dementia, or learning disabilities often appreciate clear, step-by-step communication. Simplified language and visual aids help all guests feel more at ease.

Pro tip: Add an optional accessibility question to your booking form using a checkbox custom field. This helps your team prepare to meet each guest’s needs with confidence and lets the customer know you care.

Ways to make your tours more inclusive

Again, you don’t have to overhaul your operations to make an impact. Small, practical changes can go a long way toward making every guest feel welcome.

Consider starting with these ideas:

• Clear and honest descriptions prior to booking let folks understand if your tour is welcoming to their needs.
• Provide seating options on walking tours for guests who may need to rest.
• Use portable speakers or headset systems to improve communication for guests with hearing needs.
• Add large-print or braille signage to help guests with low vision navigate your space.
• Offer visual schedules or sensory guides to help guests know what to expect.
• Train your team on inclusive communication—things like using clear language and offering assistance without assumptions.

Already have accessibility features in place? Highlight them in your item descriptions using an attention-grabbing badge. 

Communicate your commitment to inclusion

Sharing your accessibility information isn’t just helpful — it’s essential. Many travelers check accessibility details before booking. Make it easy for them by clearly listing your accessible features on your website, booking page, and confirmation emails.

Here are some ways to do that:

• List specific features like wheelchair access, quiet zones, or captioned videos.
• Share photos or videos showing your accessible features in action.
• Include testimonials from travelers who appreciated your inclusive efforts.
• Partner with accessibility organizations to reach travelers actively seeking inclusive adventures.

Pro tip: Avoid general statements like “We are accessible.” Be specific so travelers know exactly what to expect.

Learn from operators putting inclusion first

You’re not alone in this journey. Here are a few examples of our very own tour operators who are already making a difference:

• A cab tour in London offers private sightseeing with wheelchair-accessible vehicles, making iconic landmarks easy to explore for travelers with mobility needs.
• An operator in Wisconsin runs adaptive sailing programs, providing safe and supportive water adventures for people with limited mobility.
• A tour company in Florida includes American Sign Language interpreters on select walking tours, creating an inclusive experience for Deaf travelers.

These examples show that small changes can have a big impact, helping every traveler feel welcome and included.

Start small, start today

Creating inclusive experiences isn’t about getting it perfect—it’s about getting started. Every step you take toward accessibility shows your commitment to serving all travelers with care and respect.