The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) has rolled out a new elective course dedicated to accessible tourism, designed to expand its Verified Travel Advisor (VTA) educational program. Announced in Alexandria, Va., on Feb. 26, 2026, the initiative was developed in partnership with Accessible Travel Solutions to address growing demand for inclusive travel design.
“This course reflects ASTA’s commitment to ensuring travel advisors are prepared to serve every traveler with professionalism and confidence,” said Alvin Adriano, Director of Education at ASTA, in a press statement. “Accessible tourism is not a niche. It is a vital and growing segment of our industry. By providing practical, real-world training, we are empowering advisors to create truly inclusive travel experiences while expanding their own business opportunities.”
ASTA + Accessibility
The course emphasizes the operational and ethical dimensions of accessibility within travel planning and delivery. Participants will learn ways to assess accessibility requirements, incorporate inclusion into itineraries, and apply compliance and service standards that improve client experiences and business efficiency.
Accessible Travel Solutions contributed its specialized expertise in mobility, sensory, and cognitive accessibility to develop the course content. The collaboration aims to provide actionable methods that address real-world challenges faced by travelers with disabilities.
Accessible tourism has become one of the fastest-growing segments in the global market. Millions of travelers each year look for transportation, lodging and attractions that accommodate varying mobility devices, sensory considerations, and cognitive support needs. Data from industry research underscores that accessibility features often influence booking decisions and repeat business, making inclusivity an essential operational factor rather than a niche service.
“Travel advisors want to serve every client well, but accessibility can feel complex without the right guidance,” said John Sage, CEO of Accessible Travel Solutions, in a press statement. “This course equips advisors with practical tools and clear frameworks so they can confidently support travelers with disabilities and create truly inclusive travel experiences.”
ASTA’s Verified Travel Advisor program, first introduced to build stronger professional standards across the industry, includes a series of required and elective courses. The accessible tourism module expands the elective lineup, allowing participants to tailor their certification experience to specific client segments and market areas. Each VTA elective has a defined code in the ASTA system for record-keeping, accessible to members through their certification dashboard.
For more information, visit asta.org.
