Tourism Startup Launches Accessible-Travel Marketplace for Travelers With Needs
AccessTravel Connect launches integrated platform addressing $92.7 billion accessible tourism market, connecting travelers with verified disability-friendly services worldwide
SAN FRANCISCO, December 1, 2025 – AccessTravel Connect, a technology-driven tourism startup, today officially launched its comprehensive accessible-travel marketplace designed to streamline trip planning for the 1.3 billion people worldwide living with disabilities. The platform addresses critical gaps in the travel industry by offering verified, real-time booking capabilities for flights, hotels, transportation, and experiences specifically tailored to travelers with mobility, sensory, and cognitive accessibility needs.
The debut comes as the global accessible tourism market reached $92.7 billion in 2024 and is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 7.1% through 2033, according to recent market research. Despite this robust growth, travelers with disabilities continue to face systemic barriers—96% report experiencing accommodation issues during trips, while 86% encounter challenges with air travel and 79% struggle with local transportation accessibility. AccessTravel Connect’s proprietary verification system directly confronts these pain points by requiring providers to meet standardized accessibility criteria before listing services.
“While the travel industry has made incremental improvements, the fundamental problem remains: travelers with disabilities cannot reliably book trips with confidence that their needs will be met,” said Sarah Chen, co-founder and CEO of AccessTravel Connect. “Our platform eliminates the exhaustive research and phone calls traditionally required by providing verified, bookable options with transparent accessibility features. This isn’t about niche tourism—it’s about serving an underserved market representing 16% of the global population.”
The platform distinguishes itself through several key innovations. First, its AI-powered matching algorithm analyzes traveler-specific needs—ranging from wheelchair accessibility and service animal accommodations to sensory-friendly environments and medical equipment requirements—and pairs them with verified providers. Second, AccessTravel Connect offers integrated “white-glove” support services, directly communicating with airlines, hotels, and rental agencies on behalf of travelers to confirm accommodations, a feature identified as critical by industry leaders. According to PhocusWire’s coverage of early market innovators, this hands-on coordination represents a core competitive advantage in building trust with disability communities.
Market data underscores the urgent need for such solutions. Statistics Canada reported in May 2025 that 52% of persons with disabilities took out-of-town trips since 2022, yet 40% experienced barriers at transit hubs and 34% faced obstacles aboard vehicles. In the United States alone, travelers with mobility disabilities spend $58.2 billion annually on leisure travel, taking trips with nearly the same frequency as non-disabled travelers. However, more than 70% report encountering major obstacles with airlines, airports, and hotels, creating a significant service gap that AccessTravel Connect directly addresses.
The platform launches with over 5,000 verified properties across 150 cities, partnerships with major airlines implementing enhanced accessibility protocols, and a network of rental car providers offering vehicles with hand controls, wheelchair lifts, and adaptive equipment. Additionally, AccessTravel Connect features a companion caregiver booking system, real-time accessibility updates from verified user reviews, and 24/7 specialized customer support staffed by disability travel experts.
AccessTravel Connect has secured $8.5 million in seed funding from venture firms focused on impact investing and disability inclusion, enabling rapid scaling into European and Asia-Pacific markets in 2026. The company is also establishing partnerships with advocacy organizations including the Open Doors Organization and ENAT (European Network for Accessible Tourism) to ensure continuous alignment with community needs and accessibility standards.
About AccessTravel Connect
AccessTravel Connect is a San Francisco-based technology company revolutionizing accessible tourism through its AI-powered marketplace platform. Founded by disability advocates and travel industry veterans, the company provides verified booking solutions for travelers with mobility, sensory, and cognitive accessibility needs. AccessTravel Connect is committed to making travel truly inclusive by connecting the disability community with trustworthy, transparent travel options worldwide.
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