Inclusive tourism takes center stage with accessible, quality, and competitively priced destinations

Accessible tourism is making steady progress in Spain, driven by destinations committed to offering a more inclusive, competitive experience that meets travelers’ real needs. Regions such as Extremadura, the Basque Country, Aragon, and Galicia stand out for their adapted accommodation, high customer satisfaction, and attractive prices, establishing themselves as leading examples of hospitality for all. A study presented by Mabrian at the IV TUR4All Congress in Valencia offers an in-depth look at the situation in Spain. The report, based on open data and standardized criteria (DALCO, UNE 170001), reveals that accessibility remains a challenge, though progress is being made through small, meaningful steps. The Region of Valencia, the Basque Country, Cantabria, and Galicia are at the forefront of Spain’s accessible accommodation services. Proportionally, Extremadura has the largest share of accessible units within its range of hotels and tourist accommodation (10.1% of the total), followed by the Basque Country, Madrid and Aragon (each with 9.6%), the Region of Murcia (5.6%), the Region of Valencia and the Balearic Islands (5.8%), Galicia (4.8%), and Catalonia (4.6%).

Several hotels across Spain now offer solutions to improve pool access for people with reduced mobility, such as aquatic lifts © Shutterstock

Nightly rates tend to be higher in accommodation with fewer physical barriers, though prices for accessible hotels and tourist rentals are generally comparable. Satisfaction indices go hand in hand with accessibility: the more adapted spaces a property offers, the higher its ratings. Another key factor for inclusive travel experiences is accessibility in public transport, an area that scored very highly in the 2024 Accessibility Perception Index (78.8 out of 100), while Tourist Attractions achieved a moderately favorable rating (73.4 out of 100). “The results of both perception indexes indicate that Spain is well positioned as an accessible destination,” Mabrian highlights.