Recent data from the Business Travel Show Europe indicates a concerning decline in travel programmes catering to groups with additional needs compared to 2022 and 2023.
Despite a brief rise in attention last year, most categories, apart from LGBTQIA+ travellers, have seen a decrease in support.
LGBTQIA+ Travellers
Entering Pride Month, the survey of 141 European corporate travel and procurement managers revealed that over half (54%) admitted their programmes do not cater to LGBTQIA+ travellers, a significant increase from 22% in 2023. A further 4% cited cost as a barrier, while just over a quarter (27%) do cater for LGBTQIA+ travellers, a slight increase from 26% in 2022. An additional 9% plan to include LGBTQIA+ considerations in the future.
Travellers with Accessibility Needs
The data shows a drop in the number of travel programmes catering to people with accessibility needs, falling from 48% in 2023 to 43%. This decline is significant, given that around 25% of the UK population is disabled.
Neurodivergent Travellers
The support for neurodivergent travellers has seen a substantial decline, from 39% in 2023 to 18% this year, although this figure is closer to the 21% recorded in 2022. Neurodivergent individuals account for about 15% of the UK population and 10% of the European workforce.
Helen Moon, CEO & Founder of EventWell, emphasized the importance of neuroinclusion in travel, stating, “A minimum of 20% of travellers will be diagnosed with a neurodivergent cognitive difference. Travel accommodations that benefit this community are well documented to benefit the mental wellbeing of ALL travellers.”
Younger and Older Travellers
The number of travel programmes catering to younger and older travellers has also more than halved since last year, with 26% of programmes catering to younger travellers compared to 54% previously, and 23% for older travellers down from 47%. In 2022, these figures were 30% for younger travellers and 31% for older travellers.
Orthodox and Jewish Travellers
Despite ongoing conflicts, two-thirds (67%) of travel programmes do not provide special considerations for Jewish travellers, with an additional 7% citing the community’s small size as a justification for not doing so. These statistics are similar for all orthodox religious travellers.
Carolyn Pearson, CEO & CIO of Maiden Voyage, commented on the survey results, “Whilst this survey reflects the current state, I don’t believe it is a true reflection of the ambition of travel managers and travel management companies. We are seeing unprecedented interest in building inclusivity into travel programmes, considering the changing dynamics of today’s workforce.”
The decline in travel programmes catering to groups with additional needs is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention from the travel industry. As highlighted by experts, inclusive travel programmes are not only beneficial to specific groups but enhance the travel experience for all.
The Business Travel Show Europe will address these issues in a panel session titled “Let’s make business travel truly accessible” on 19 June. Panellists from Maiden Voyage, EventWell, and British Wheelchair Basketball will discuss how travel managers can prioritize accessibility and push for industry-wide improvements.