QCOSTARICA — Costa Rica continues to consolidate itself as a world leader in accessible tourism, this time through Airbnb. The platform reported a 25% increase in reservations in the Adapted category during the first half of 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.
This trend reflects an increase in the number of people with disabilities using Airbnb’s accessibility filters, which has allowed for more inclusive travel.
Among the most requested amenities are: accessible parking, access without stairs to the entrance, access without stairs to common areas and bathrooms, free space next to the bed and beds at an accessible height.
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The growth in demand is the result of Airbnb’s commitment to be a more inclusive and welcoming platform for guests and hosts with disabilities.
This corporate responsibility policy began with the launch of the ‘Adapted’ category and certain specific search filters that allow travelers to find properties with accessibility features, which includes the following filters for accommodations:
- Step-free entrance to the accommodation
- Step-free path to the entrance of the accommodation
- Entrance wider than 81 cm
- Parking for people with disabilities
- Step-free entrance to the room
- Entrance to the bedroom wider than 81 centimeters
- Step-free entrance to the bathroom
- Entrance to the bathroom wider than 81 centimeters
- Fixed handholds in the shower
- Fixed grab bar next to the toilet
- Step-free shower
- Seat in the shower or bathtub
- Ceiling or mobile lift
In 2021, Airbnb signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Council of People with Disabilities (CONAPDIS) and the Costa Rican Network of Accessible Tourism to promote accessible tourism in Costa Rica. As a result of these alliances, Airbnb made a donation to inaugurate the Panama Accessible Beach, which has retractable walkways and an inclusive changing table so that people with physical disabilities can enjoy a memorable day at the beach, facilitating access to the country’s natural spaces.
In addition, Airbnb has conducted a series of training sessions with the Host community on the platform to make accessibility filters visible and promote their use.
Airbnb stressed its commitment to work together with hosts and local authorities to foster an inclusive environment that benefits all actors involved in Costa Rican tourism.
“At Airbnb, we are committed to continuing to promote accessible tourism in Costa Rica. Accessibility features are not the same for all homes and that is why we believe in being able to expand the offer with more options for all types of travelers and provide information so that they can make the choice that best suits their needs,” said Carlos Muñoz, Director of Public Policies and Communications for the Caribbean and Central America at Airbnb.
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Globally, as an official partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Airbnb reached a significant milestone in Paris, where more than 1,000 accessible listings with no steps were reported.
This achievement is the result of collaborations with local organizations and a proactive approach to meet the demand for accessible accommodations, especially in anticipation of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
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