Two years ago, we had a vision: to make the world more accessible, one destination at a time. Today, we’ve surpassed 100 Destination Verified cities, proving that accessibility isn’t just an initiative—it’s a movement.

From small towns to major metropolises, from historic landmarks to modern resorts, we’ve worked alongside DMOs, local businesses, and travelers to redefine what inclusive tourism means. And what we’ve learned is simple: everyone benefits when destinations open their doors to all.

A Commitment That Drives Change

This milestone wouldn’t be possible without the commitment of DMOs, local businesses, and communities that recognize accessibility as more than just a requirement—it’s an opportunity. From hoteliers implementing disability awareness training to attractions implementing ramps and sensory-friendly experiences, these efforts redefine what it means to be a truly welcoming destination.

But it’s also a smart business move

The benefits go beyond inclusion—destinations that prioritize accessibility see direct economic returns. Studies show that travelers with disabilities spend $58 billion annually in the U.S. alone, staying in hotels longer and traveling more frequently than other groups.

“Just look at Lansing—visitors who needed accessibility services brought in $96 million and supported 750 local jobs in a single year. Now imagine what that could mean for cities gearing up for the FIFA World Cup or other big events. Investing in accessibility opens the door to billions in tourism revenue, longer stays, and happier visitors. With Destination Verified, we’re proving that making travel easier for everyone isn’t just possible—it’s the best investment a destination can make.” - Said Arturo Gaona, CPO, WTW

The Turning Point: Making Accessibility a Priority

For decades, travelers with disabilities faced uncertainty when planning trips. Would a hotel’s “accessible room” actually be accessible? Would restaurants and attractions have step-free entrances? The reality was that accessibility information was often vague, inconsistent, or simply nonexistent.

“What is happening today is that when people with disabilities travel, they don’t know what to expect. They arrive at places, and they don’t have the accessibility features they need,” said Camilo Navarro, co-founder and COO of Wheel the World. “Our mission is to change that—by ensuring accessibility information is accurate, reliable, and easily available.”

By working directly with Destination Marketing Organizations, Wheel the World has helped communities assess accessibility, train businesses, and create actionable roadmaps for improvement.

A Commitment From Destinations That See the Bigger Picture

Each Destination Verified location tells a story of a community choosing to lead. From major cities to small towns—these destinations have embraced accessibility not just as a responsibility, but as a chance to be at the forefront of change.

In Michigan’s first Destination Verified city, Ann Arbor, the impact was immediate. “A common misconception is that accessibility is just physical needs, but it also means sensory needs and communication needs,” said Chad Wiebesick, Director of Public Affairs for Destination Ann Arbor. With support from the Pure Michigan Accessible Traveler Grant, the DMO trained local advocates to assess businesses, collect data, and highlight the city’s accessible offerings..

For Colorado Springs, home of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, ensuring accessibility was non-negotiable. The city took a proactive approach, working with Wheel the World to assess over 30 businesses and improve the visitor experience. “As Olympic City USA, we’re home to the nation’s top adaptive athletes. Ensuring our city is accessible to everyone isn’t just a goal—it’s a commitment to inclusivity,” said Doug Price, CEO of Visit Colorado Springs.

Greater Fort Lauderdale saw accessibility as an opportunity to lead. In partnership with Wheel the World, the DMO launched an accessibility video featuring blind traveler and influencer Henry Martinez, showcasing the destination through the lens of travelers with disabilities. “We are committed to being a destination that truly sees you for who you are,” said Richard Gray, former Senior VP of Inclusion and Accessibility at Visit Lauderdale. “By breaking visual barriers, we’re opening new avenues for exploration and showing the world that travel knows no limits.”

Travelers at the Heart of the Mission

At the core of Destination Verified are the travelers whose lives are changed by accessible tourism.

For Brandon Mans, an avid adventurer from Denver, Colorado Springs offered something he hadn’t felt in a long time: complete independence. “Living with a disability, your day is filled with challenges just to get through the day,” Brandon shared. “But when you travel somewhere that welcomes you with open arms, you can experience that energy right away. It means a lot when a place is actually thinking about people with disabilities.”

In Central Oregon, traveler Kerry was amazed by how accessibility was seamlessly woven into the region’s natural beauty. “I’ve never been able to hike or experience nature in this way before,” she said after using an AdvenChair to explore the stunning landscape. “It was stress-free and magical.”

What’s Next?

The momentum is undeniable. In two years, Destination Verified has grown from an idea into a movement. More than 3,500 hours of accessibility mapping have been completed across 100+ destinations, with data collected on 2,000+ businesses. But this is just the beginning.

Looking ahead, Wheel the World is launching new tools for DMOs, allowing them to track accessibility progress, measure ROI, and implement improvements with real-time data. This next phase will turn insights into action, helping cities make more strategic accessibility investments.

“There’s still so much work to do,” says Alvaro Silberstein, CEO of Wheel the World. “But what we’ve learned is that when destinations commit to accessibility, they unlock a whole new level of inclusion—not just for travelers, but for their communities.”

Tracking ROI means more than just measuring accessibility—it’s about tangible tourism growth. From higher hotel occupancy rates to increased revenue for attractions and restaurants, accessible destinations consistently outperform those that overlook inclusivity. With real-time data, DMOs can now quantify the financial impact of accessibility and make smarter, more strategic tourism investments.

More Than a Milestone—A Movement

100 DMOs. 3,000 businesses mapped. Thousands of travelers impacted.

And as we look forward, one thing is clear: This is only the beginning.