Global outdoor accommodation booking platform Pitchup.com launched an initiative to improve accessibility in the outdoor travel sector. Partnering with Purple Goat, a disability-led inclusive marketing agency, Pitchup.com conducted a comprehensive research survey to identify key challenges faced by those with neurodivergence, chronic illness and physical disabilities when seeking outdoor accommodations.
With 83% reporting that accessibility issues play a significant factor in their decision to avoid outdoor travel altogether, Pitchup.com used its findings to identify opportunities for changes across its website that foster inclusivity and enhance the travel experience.
“Enhancing accessibility is not only a commercial opportunity but also the right thing to do,” says Dan Yates, founder and managing director of Pitchup.com. “The industry must ensure adventure and outdoor experiences are accessible and available to everyone. Many people feel that this kind of holiday is not an option for them. We are failing the disabled community by not providing the equal opportunity to reap the many benefits of outdoor vacations, from affordability in a cost-of-living crisis to the health benefits of connecting with nature.”
Pitchup.com’s survey polled more than 2,000 respondents who experience a spectrum of challenges, revealing additional key takeaways such as:
- A Fear of the Unknown: Those who haven’t gone on an outdoor vacation are 174% more likely to perceive them as inaccessible than those who have.
- Accessible Information for Accessible Travel: 95% reported having more information about accessibility would make them consider an outdoor holiday.
- A Need for Technical Details: Accessible bathroom facilities are considered the most crucial filter (chosen by 51%) for accommodations research, closely followed by entrance and exit details (chosen by 48%). Steps, ramps and wheelchair accessibility were deemed the most common challenges, mentioned more than 75 times.
Pitchup.com has since implemented new customized website features that empower travelers with disabilities to book accommodations tailored to their needs. The new accessibility filters allow guests to view detailed accessibility information about sites listed on Pitchup.com. This includes features like well-lit paths, accessible parking and wheelchair-accessible bathrooms, and unit-specific features for fixed accommodations, like step-free access. Site managers can also upload photos to provide visual confirmation of these features.
In addition to encouraging site managers to make updates, Pitchup.com is supporting change through various business accessibility resources, including a guide for site managers, featuring case studies and top tips from those who are already leading the way. For guests, Pitchup.com is also developing guides to the best accessible days out and things to do in top locations, such as the new Pitchup guide to the Accessible Lake District.
“By tackling travelers’ challenges head-on, our goal is to inspire the outdoor travel industry to enact necessary changes to ensure that experiences in nature are accessible to all travelers,” said Yates. “Our collaboration with Purple Goat underscores Pitchup.com’s commitment to creating solutions hand-in-hand with impacted communities.”
For more information about Pitchup.com’s outdoor travel offerings, visit Pitchup.com.
