Australia stands at a crossroads, facing an urgent call from industry advocates to recognise and leverage the vast economic and social potential of accessible tourism. Despite Australian travellers with disabilities contributing an impressive $6.8 billion annually, experts argue the nation continues to sideline inclusivity, missing out on critical opportunities.
Australians with disabilities undertake an astonishing 18.5 million domestic trips annually, accounting for nearly a quarter (23%) of the country’s travel activity. However, industry advocates say the infrastructure and strategy to support accessible tourism remain frustratingly limited. With the prestigious National Tourism Awards set to convene on March 21st in Adelaide, the spotlight on accessible tourism has never been brighter.
Spinal Life Australia, a key advocacy group championing accessibility rights, has seized this moment to call for 2026 officially declared the National Year of Accessible Tourism. This ambitious push aims to firmly position Australia as a global leader in accessible travel, ensuring that no traveller is left behind.
Dane Cross, Chief Operating Officer of Sporting Wheelies—powered by Spinal Life Australia—has been vocal in expressing the collective frustration felt by millions of Australians living with disabilities. As an influential figure living with quadriplegia himself, Cross criticizes the persistent neglect of embedding accessibility into mainstream tourism strategies.
“Despite significant discussion and promises following Queensland’s declaration of 2023/24 as the Year of Accessible Tourism, tangible outcomes remain elusive,” Cross said assertively. “Accessibility still appears relegated to transport or vague aspirations, rather than integrated into core tourism planning. This oversight isn’t just disappointing; it represents an unacceptable missed economic opportunity.”
Cross emphasizes the urgency of making accessible tourism a central topic ahead of Australia’s upcoming elections. With approximately 20% of Australians living with disabilities, Cross argues it is high time their voices were amplified at policy-making levels.
“The upcoming elections are critical. Accessible tourism must no longer be seen as optional but as fundamental. Australians must demand concrete commitments from political leaders, ensuring disability inclusion isn’t merely symbolic, but economically strategic,” Cross asserts.
Recently, the Federal Government earmarked $17.1 million through the Commonwealth Accessible Australia initiative to enhance accessibility in community spaces, including beaches and national parks. While Spinal Life Australia welcomed this funding as positive progress, Cross highlights that sporadic funding injections aren’t sufficient for long-term, meaningful change.
“Funding is a necessary first step, but without comprehensive integration into ongoing tourism planning, it risks being tokenistic,” Cross explains. “Businesses and local councils genuinely want to enhance accessibility but often lack expert guidance and sustained financial support. A strategic, long-term approach is vital for lasting success.”
Cross also underscores the extraordinary potential presented by the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games. With a global audience expected, Brisbane 2032 represents an unmatched opportunity for Australia to showcase best practices in accessible tourism.
“We stand at a pivotal moment. Brisbane 2032 is a once-in-a-generation chance to redefine Australia as the global benchmark in accessible tourism. Proper investment and planning now will create an enduring legacy, benefiting not just visitors but also local economies and communities for decades,” Cross emphasizes.
To catalyze immediate action, Spinal Life Australia submitted a compelling pre-budget proposal requesting a substantial $354 million investment dedicated explicitly to accessible tourism infrastructure improvements and business incentives. The proposal highlights how critical dedicated funding streams and financial incentives, such as tax concessions for operators prioritizing accessibility, could transform the national tourism landscape.
Additionally, advocates stress the essential role of comprehensive industry training and education programs. The expansion of successful initiatives like the Access Accelerator program can significantly bolster businesses’ capacities to meet accessibility standards, driving a shift in industry mindsets forward.
“True accessibility extends beyond mere compliance—it embodies economic foresight and deep social inclusion,” Cross passionately notes. “Aligning these initiatives strategically with major events such as Brisbane 2032 positions Australia to not only lead but set global standards in tourism accessibility.”
With the prestigious National Tourism Awards imminent, Spinal Life Australia urges stakeholders and policymakers to acknowledge accessibility as fundamental to industry excellence. Recognizing accessible tourism initiatives at the awards could send a powerful message, highlighting inclusion as essential—not optional—in the broader industry narrative.
“This is our moment to ensure no traveler is left behind,” Cross concludes firmly. “2026 must be designated as Australia’s National Year of Accessible Tourism. Our nation deserves this commitment; travelers with disabilities deserve respect, dignity, and genuine accessibility. Now is the time for decisive action.”
For further insights and support for accessible tourism initiatives, visit Spinal Life Australia.
Written by: Sandra Jones
