How 3 Colorado Towns Are Working to Be Leaders in Accessible Travel

08.01.2025 - 10:35 / matadornetwork.com

The state of Colorado is taking big strides to be more accessible, enjoyable, and inclusive of travelers with differing physical abilities. The Colorado Tourism Office, in partnership with Wheel the World, launched a pilot program this year to improve accessibility for travelers with disabilities. Three destinations — Beaver Creek Resort Company, Glenwood Springs Chamber of Commerce, and Pueblo Chamber of Commerce — were selected to receive on-site accessibility assessments, staff training, and marketing support in the final round of announcements made in November.

This initiative aligns with Colorado’s Destination Stewardship Strategic Plan, aiming to make the state a more inclusive and welcoming place for all visitors. The program’s goal is to enhance accessibility in key tourist areas and promote verified accessible sites. This effort builds upon Colorado Springs’ prior achievement of Wheel the World’s Destination Verified Seal.

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According to Wheel the World, 1 in 4 US travelers will travel with someone needing some level of accessibility at least once per year. The Accessible Travel Program will help participating cities and towns throughout Colorado better accommodate these travelers, and provide more equitable access to the outdoors.

“This program showcases Colorado’s commitment to ensuring that tourism is accessible to everyone, regardless of physical ability,” Timothy Wolfe, Director of the Colorado Tourism Office, said in a press release. “This pilot initiative represents a significant step in making Colorado a leader in accessible tourism, empowering both visitors and local communities.”

Colorado’s approach to inclusive tourism development is centered around ensuring that all visitors, regardless of physical abilities, can experience the state’s offerings. The Destination Stewardship Strategic Plan is a 10-year plan with the goal of enhancing responsible and inclusive tourism across the state. By collaborating with Wheel the World, Colorado is expanding its offerings for travelers with disabilities and their companions. In April 2024, Visit Colorado Springs was the first destination in the state to receive Wheel the World’s official Destination Verified Seal.

“(The Accessible Travel Program) is a pilot program in partnership with Wheel the World, a private company that verifies businesses and destination accessibility status,” Heidi Pankow of Visit Glenwood told Matador. “This pilot program from the Colorado Tourism Office will allow us to go through a destination accessibility audit, become a verified destination, work with our tourism partners to amplify their accessibility and educate our partners and workforce in the best ways to welcome travelers with