Overview and purpose
A landmark themed issue from Tourism Review is poised to advance accessibility, inclusion, and equity across the global tourism system. Building on the momentum generated by the 3rd World Summit on Accessible Tourism: A New Global Agenda for Accessible Tourism held in Torino, Italy, the journal announces a dedicated Themed Issue on Accessible Tourism. Coordinated by Professor Dimitrios Buhalis of Bournemouth University and Dr. Ivor Ambrose of the European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT), the collection will gather policy analyses, technological innovations, design strategies, management practices, and first-hand accounts that help destinations, transport networks, and hospitality services become genuinely inclusive for all travelers (Tourism Review, 2025).
The Themed Issue seeks to illuminate how accessibility is not merely a compliance obligation but a driver of social innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable growth in tourism. It will feature new research and a curated selection of influential papers previously published in Tourism Review that have helped shape the field. An accompanying editorial commentary will assess progress, highlight remaining barriers, and chart a practical road map for the next generation of researchers, practitioners, and policy makers involved in inclusive tourism development (Tourism Review, 2025).
Scope and key themes
Submissions should address, but are not limited to, the following domains:
- Policy frameworks and regulatory environments that advance equitable access in destinations, transport, and hospitality
- Technology-enabled inclusivity, such as accessible digital interfaces, assistive products, and inclusive service design
- Architectural and UX/design considerations that enable universal access in venues, attractions, and public spaces
- Management practices that embed accessibility into operations, supply chains, and visitor experiences
- Lived experience, empowerment, and participation of a broad spectrum of travelers—including persons with disabilities, older adults, and those with temporary or situational barriers
This thematic focus aligns with the broader human-rights framing underpinning accessible tourism, including international standards and litigation trends that emphasize equal access and non-discrimination in travel and services (UN CRPD; WCAG 2.2). In the digital sphere, the work intersects with established accessibility guidelines that shape best practices for websites, apps, and other consumer-facing technologies (WCAG 2.2) while also reflecting country-specific requirements such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related accessibility provisions (ADA; ENAT guidance).
Editorial and editorial policy
This issue will feature a new editorial commentary that reflects on progress to date, identifies ongoing challenges, and outlines opportunities for future work. The commentary will serve as a scholarly reflexion and practical roadmap for scholars, industry practitioners, and policymakers who are designing and evaluating inclusive tourism strategies (Tourism Review, 2025).
Timeline and submission details
The call for papers includes a staged timeline:
- First Announcement: October 2025
- Submission deadline: 1 April 2026
- Publication: Themed Issue scheduled for 2027
Papers should be submitted with the word “accessible” or “Accessibility” in the title to ensure alignment with the issue’s scope and to facilitate indexing and discoverability (Tourism Review, 2025).
Practical implications for stakeholders
For businesses and destinations
- Invest in accessible infrastructure and inclusive design across digital and physical channels to broaden market reach and enhance visitor satisfaction (WCAG 2.2; ADA concepts).
- Integrate universal design principles into product development, service delivery, and experience design to reduce barriers and support longer dwell times and repeat visitation.
- Leverage data on accessibility needs to tailor marketing, operations, and partnerships with disability organizations, aging populations, and caregiver networks.
For developers and technologists
- Apply WCAG 2.2 guidelines to public-facing websites and mobile apps, focusing on keyboard accessibility, perceivable content, and predictable navigation (WCAG 2.2).
- Explore assistive technologies, inclusive signage, and multimodal communication strategies that improve access to information and services in destinations and transportation hubs (ENAT resources).
For accessibility professionals and policymakers
- Use the Themed Issue as a benchmark for evaluating current practices and identifying gaps in regulatory compliance, service design, and workforce training.
- Align national and regional policy initiatives with international guidance to accelerate the adoption of accessible tourism standards, with attention to digital accessibility, physical accessibility, and accessible procurement.
Submissions and documentation
In addition to rigorous academic standards, Tourism Review emphasizes clarity about the accessibility focus of submitted work. Authors should articulate how their findings translate into practical improvements for the tourism sector, with explicit discussion of implications for policy, organisations, and frontline staff. Proper documentation of methods, results, and limitations will help ensure that the work informs both scholarly debate and real-world implementation (Tourism Review, 2025).
Conclusion and call to action
The Accessible Tourism Themed Issue represents a concerted effort to translate research into tangible gains for travelers worldwide. By combining new scholarship with a curated archive of influential papers, the issue aims to catalyze collaboration among researchers, industry stakeholders, and regulators. As the global tourism community advances along the path toward more inclusive destinations, digital accessibility, and equitable service delivery, the Themed Issue will offer both a scholarly framework and a practical playbook for turning policy into practice (WCAG 2.2; UN CRPD; ADA). The editors invite authors to contribute insights that advance a shared vision of accessible, welcoming, and sustainable travel for all (Tourism Review, 2025).