In the ever-evolving world of accessible travel, where the horizons of exploration are so often limited by systemic barriers and attitudinal hurdles, a profound transformation is taking place. Thanks to the relentless dedication of a selection of individuals with lived experience of Disability, we find ourselves on the cusp of a remarkable new era of travel, one which may well culminate in a barrier-free planet.
In this month’s Beyond Barriers, Condé Nast Traveller UK’s monthly column dedicated to sharing the latest developments and stories of Disabled travel, we meet some of the most influential figures in the field of accessible travel. These are remarkable pioneers who have defied stereotypes and paved the way for a more inclusive world, harnessing their personal experiences to catalyze a global shift. Their collective efforts are a testament to the transformative power of determination, creativity, and advocacy. Here are 14 trailblazers making the world more accessible and inclusive for 2024.
A version of this article originally appeared in Condé Nast Traveller UK.
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Maayan Ziv
Founder, AccessNow
Wheelchair user Maayan Ziv, an unstoppable activist named one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women, has been a trailblazer for inclusive travel for decades. As the founder of AccessNow, she developed the tech platform to enable Disabled travelers to navigate the spaces where they live, work, and travel with greater confidence and knowledge. Additionally, as co-founder of the Rights on Fights initiative, Ziv champions inclusive air travel on a global scale.
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Alvaro Silberstein
Founder & CEO, Wheel The World
In the pursuit of “empowering people with disabilities to explore the world without limits,” dedicated traveler and wheelchair user Alvaro Silberstein co-founded Wheel The World, an online marketplace for people with disabilities to plan and book accessible trips. The Chilean entrepreneur, public speaker, and passionate Disability advocate harbored a vision to unite a passionate community of explorers, and today Wheel the World is unlocking new doors for Disability tourism globally.
Fred Maahs
Founder, Maahs Travels
Fred Maahs Jr., the visionary behind Maahs Travels, has earned widespread recognition for his unwavering dedication to enhancing accessibility for individuals with disabilities. As a consultant and speaker, he passionately advocates for expanding inclusivity, tapping into the vast market represented by people with disabilities. He is also the co-founder of JourneyAble, a storytelling platform, content network, and social community, elevating accessibility on the world stage.
