Calls to declare 2026 as the National Year of Accessible Tourism are growing louder, as disability advocates say Australia risks missing out on significant economic benefits and greater social inclusion if immediate action is not taken. With Australians with disability spending an estimated $6.8 billion on domestic travel annually, accessible tourism represents a largely untapped market that proponents say demands real investment.
As the nation’s tourism industry convenes in Adelaide for the National Tourism Awards, Spinal Life Australia is pushing for accessibility to be embedded in the country’s tourism strategies rather than treated as an afterthought. The organisation points to increasing public support for inclusive travel and highlights the urgent need for government leadership ahead of this year’s elections.
Frustration Over Lack of Progress
Sporting Wheelies Chief Operating Officer Dane Cross, who lives with quadriplegia, expresses disappointment in the limited advancements in accessible tourism. “After all the talk following the Year of Accessible Tourism in Queensland 2023/24, I’m disappointed by how quickly accessibility and inclusion seem to have been brushed aside,” Cross says.
“Accessibility is still viewed as a transport issue or a vague aspiration, rather than a core part of tourism planning. This is a missed opportunity. Accessible tourism must be a major focus in our upcoming elections, and Australians should be demanding action from our leaders.
“With one in five Australians living with disability, their needs are still being overlooked in tourism planning. Governments must invest in accessible tourism, embed accessibility in strategies, and provide meaningful financial incentives for inclusive experiences.”
Push for Sustained Investment
Recent Federal Government funding of $17.1 million under the Commonwealth Accessible Australia initiative has been welcomed by Spinal Life Australia, but advocates warn that one-off support is insufficient for long-term growth. “This investment is a step in the right direction, but to truly capitalise on the economic potential of accessible tourism, accessibility must be integrated into long-term, sustained planning. We know from our own advocacy efforts that without professional advice and industry mindset shifts, accessibility risks becoming tokenistic. Businesses and local councils want to do better, but they need support to get it right,” Mr Cross continues.
He also sees the upcoming Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympics as a catalyst for lasting change. “With Brisbane 2032 on the horizon, the government must view this as a pivotal moment to position Queensland as Australia’s most accessible tourism destination, ready to capture a bigger slice of the international tourism pie. We have a chance to show the world what accessible tourism truly looks like. Let’s make accessibility part of Australia’s legacy—not just for 2032, but for generations to come.”
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Appeal for Government Action
Spinal Life Australia is urging the federal government to commit to tangible measures, including a $354 million pre-budget submission designed to help businesses upgrade accessibility offerings. “The time for talk is over. Without significant investment, strategies and good intentions alone won’t create lasting change. The government must commit substantial funding to help businesses improve accessibility. That’s why Spinal Life Australia has put forward a pre-budget submission, calling for $354 million to support businesses in upgrading their accessibility offerings. Without this investment, we risk losing momentum and failing to build the inclusive tourism industry Australia urgently needs,” Cross says.
More broadly, advocates say long-term planning, financial incentives such as tax breaks for inclusive operators and expanded training are the key pillars of progress. “Accessibility is not just about compliance—it is about economic opportunity and social inclusion. Aligning accessible tourism initiatives with strategies and events such as Brisbane 2032 will position Australia as a global leader in inclusive travel and create a long-term, sustainable approach to accessibility,” Cross concludes.
With the National Tourism Awards shining a spotlight on industry excellence, advocates argue that accessibility must be recognised as a crucial element of genuine achievement. By declaring 2026 as the National Year of Accessible Tourism, the federal government would send a powerful signal that no traveller is left behind—and that Australia is ready to lead on inclusive tourism.
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
