AccessibleTravel.Online – this is our story
How it all started
In 2009, we found the domain hotelaccessibility.com not taken. It was surprising, as so many people around the world need accurate and detailed accessibility information before simply going anywhere. So we started.
One step at at a time. It turned out to be a long journey, and we have not even really started yet.
Our first focus was on hotels, as hotels and travel is a personal favorite combination. We set up a HotelCheck in order to do professional audits. In a very short time we had a team – all members having a different disability – and the audit itself was made in a way it was easy to use for everyone.
We stayed overnight in some 40 hotels, to check dinner, the shower, the room and breakfast.
This way we met staff during different shifts and we had enough time to sit down with the manager and staff to answer questions, share tips to make their hotel more accessible.
Only 3 hotels passed the test.
Accessible Travel.Online
Tourism schools and education
We tried to get involved in tourism schools to offer lessons. To organize a convention with an international speakers group. We tried to build a global reach on social media.
Very soon we could share more than 100 hotels worldwide. But what is 100 when there are in fact, 1 million hotels?
A new journey
Offering the whole package
In november 2016 Accessible Travel Online was born.
These 3 words capture the heart of what we do
ACCESSIBLE
TRAVEL
ONLINE
2019
Accommodation, highlights, points of interest, airlines, airports, interesting stories and some great products and services.
In 3,5 years we had offices and partners around the world sharing local tips, tours and more. Our database was growing fast as was our social media.
Right at the turning point where we were, having 40 people involved – businesses, bloggers, volunteers – to become a significant resources platform in accessible travel, the travel world collapsed. THE END.
2021
In 2021 we set our focus to publishing guides, sharing local and international news and stories, offering a wide range of free resources and opened a gift shop.
Booking a trip takes 6 months
AccessibleTravel.Online was founded to give the independent traveler using a wheelchair, or the tourist with limited sight, a starting point online
If you want to travel the world, visit the highlights, book a flight and find great deals online for your favorite hotel or other accommodation, you should not get into that as in a 6 months full time job.
Online rain forest
The huge rain forest of websites offering any information on accessible travel is just too large to visit
Here at AccessibleTravel.Online we collect the best from the web and do our utmost best to share as much information in one place, to save you time and energy.
All information we share has been carefully checked, whether it is about accommodation, tourist sites or accessible tours offered by a travel agent specializing in accessible travel.
Accessibility benefits all
Accessibility is about such a variety of factors that you can never be conclusive
However, you can do all you can to increase the accessibility standards to the highest level possible to be of service to as many people as possible.
On the other end you can start implementing company policy that a minimum level of accessibility is ensured.
And, by all means, share that online, so people can prepare their visit.
We strongly recommend websites to use an accessibility page in the ‘Visit’ menu or, even better, on the front page. Good information is key when planning travels.
Our Company Values
Independence
Comfort
Easy Access
Inclusion
Awareness
Reliable
Accessible
Making a difference
Assistance dogs make the difference.
Travel agents specializing in accessible tourism make the difference.
We provide information and services to improve accessibility.
Because independence is important…
For everyone.
Our Business Philosophy
Accessibility can be very personal, just like your preferred taste.
We don’t define that for you. You can increase the accessibility standards to the highest level possible, on the other end you can agree on a minimum level of accessibility that is ensured.
From Hotelaccessibility.com to AccessibleTravel.Online – our logo design
Read our logo story here. The 3 circles have several meanings and are chosen with a purpose. The logo captures our mission.
We got you covered
At our website you will find accessible travel information, accessible tours, accommodation and travel gear that will make your trip even better.
All information – from a link to an entire story – is checked and verified.
In this photo taken in the Hard Rock Cafe in Amsterdam, you see Marlies and Vera Almeida.
A true traveler of the world, as in an impressive country list, as well as in the written world. Vera is a great fan of literature, history and travel.
Thank you for visiting, we hope you found what you needed. Please come back soon!
Marlies van Sint Annaland
CEO and Founder
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