Accessibility in tourism is a key element of equal opportunity, inclusion, and social participation. Beyond its ethical and social relevance, it is also an important economic factor, especially in light of demographic change and increasingly diverse visitor groups as well as employees. Accessible tourism enables participation for everyone, including people with disabilities, seniors, families with young children, and those with temporary or situational access needs. It not only improves travel opportunities for these groups but also enhances overall quality and competitiveness within a destination.

In Tyrol, efforts to ensure accessibility aim to consider a wide range of impairments, including physical disabilities, hearing impairment or deafness, visual impairment or blindness, learning difficulties, and psychosocial disabilities. Digital accessibility is also an important focus, as required by the Tyrolean Anti-Discrimination Act, which mandates that websites and online applications (including those of the Federation of Tyrolean Tourism Association (VTT) and the individual Tourism Associations) provide equal access to information for all users.

As there is no centralized data collection on accessibility in tourism, including accommodation providers as well as transport, cultural, and leisure infrastructure, TYSTO has established key performance indicators to monitor developments in accessibility as part of its broader sustainability framework. This approach acknowledges that inclusive access is a core component of social sustainability, destination quality, and the long-term competitiveness of Tyrol’s tourism sector.

Initial results will be published in 2026, covering data from the 2025 reporting year. Data collection is currently ongoing.