In a country celebrated for its stunning landscapes and iconic destinations, Australia’s tourism industry faces a glaring gap: accessibility for travellers living with disabilities. As the nation approaches the International Day of People with Disability (3 December), leading advocates and organizations rally for the Federal Government to designate 2025 as the National Year of Accessible Tourism.
The call is urgent and clear—Australia must embrace inclusivity on a national scale to unlock the vast potential of its tourism sector, benefiting millions of domestic and international travellers with disabilities.
A Fractured Approach to Accessibility
Australia’s Federal Government introduced the National Disability Plan 2021–2031, aiming to improve the lives of people with disabilities. Yet, implementation remains inconsistent. State and territory governments operate with disparate or underdeveloped disability plans, leaving accessibility improvements in tourism fragmented. This disjointed approach hampers efforts to address barriers faced by 5.5 million Australians—21.4% of the population—living with disabilities.
The tourism sector’s reliance on accessibility extends beyond inclusivity; it has significant economic implications. With over $6.8 billion of annual domestic tourism spending attributed to individuals with disabilities, the demand for accessible options is undeniable. Globally, one in six people live with disabilities, presenting an untapped market segment that could catapult Australia’s tourism industry to new heights.
Queensland Leads the Way
2023 Queensland set a precedent by declaring it the Year of Accessible Tourism. Backed by $12 million in state funding, this initiative transformed the tourism landscape, enhancing accessibility and raising business awareness. The program’s success has ignited calls for a nationwide rollout.
Mark Townend, CEO of Spinal Life Australia, highlights Queensland’s achievements: “Queensland has demonstrated the economic and social benefits of prioritizing accessibility in tourism. We’ve seen increased inclusivity and stronger community connections, proving that these efforts deliver more than just economic gains—they foster a sense of belonging.”
A survey among Queensland businesses participating in the initiative found unanimous support for nominating a National Year of Accessible Tourism. Townend believes it’s time to capitalize on Queensland’s momentum to drive nationwide progress.
Economic Opportunities in Inclusive Tourism
The Australian tourism industry reported $109.9 billion in domestic spending in the past financial year, underscoring its significance to the national economy. Accessible tourism represents a key growth driver within this sector.
Accessible travel isn’t a niche market. With individuals living with disabilities accounting for 23% of all domestic trips—approximately 18.5 million trips annually—the economic potential is monumental. Internationally, travellers with disabilities represent an even larger market. Investing in accessibility doesn’t merely fulfil a moral imperative; it unlocks lucrative opportunities.
Fiona Donaldson of Supported Travel eXperiences (STX), a specialist in disability-friendly travel, emphasizes the transformative impact of accessibility:
“We’ve seen firsthand how embracing inclusivity benefits everyone—not just travelers but the broader community. A National Year of Accessible Tourism would showcase Australia’s commitment to being a global leader in this space.”
Barriers and the Path Forward
Despite the apparent demand, barriers persist. From inadequate infrastructure to limited staff training, the challenges are systemic. While states like New South Wales and Victoria focus on ambitious tourism targets—$91 billion in annual visitor economy expenditure by 2035 for NSW and $21.7 billion in visitor economy value for Victoria—accessibility remains overlooked.
Townend argues that a unified national strategy is essential:
“Designating 2025 as the National Year of Accessible Tourism would drive collaborative action, ensuring accessibility becomes a cornerstone of Australia’s tourism strategy. This initiative would solidify Australia’s reputation as an inclusive destination, benefiting all stakeholders.”
Advocacy for Lasting Change
Spinal Life Australia urges Australians to advocate for greater inclusivity in the tourism sector. By supporting 2025 as the National Year of Accessible Tourism, the nation can set a global standard for accessibility, fostering a more inclusive society while boosting economic opportunities.
This December, Australians are encouraged to join the movement, advocating for systemic change that ensures everyone can experience the country’s extraordinary attractions. For more information, visit Spinal Life Australia.
A Vision for the Future
Australia has an opportunity to redefine its tourism landscape by embracing inclusivity. By investing in accessibility, the nation can enhance the travel experiences of millions, drive economic growth, and position itself as a global leader in inclusive tourism.
The time to act is now. Designating 2025 as the National Year of Accessible Tourism would honour the principles of equality and inclusion and unlock a wealth of untapped potential for Australia’s tourism industry.
Written by: My Thanh Pham
