In the ever-evolving world of accessible travel, where institutional barriers and attitudinal hurdles often limit the scope of exploration, major changes are underway. Thanks to the tireless efforts of an extraordinary group of people with disability experiences, we are at the beginning of an incredible new era of travel – one that may lead to a barrier-free planet.
In this month’s Beyond Barriers, Condé Nast Traveler UK’s monthly column showcasing the latest trends and stories in disability travel, we meet some of the most influential people in the field of accessible travel. They are incredible pioneers who have defied stereotypes, paved the way for a more inclusive world and used their personal experiences to inspire global change. Their collective efforts are testament to the transformative power of determination, creativity and advocacy. We meet 14 pioneers who are making the world more accessible and inclusive as we head into 2024.
A version of this article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveler UK.
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Mayan Ziv
Founder, AccessNow
One of Canada’s most influential women, tireless activist and wheelchair user Mayan Ziv has been a pioneer for inclusive travel for decades. As the founder of AccessNow, she developed a technology platform to empower travelers with disabilities to move confidently and knowledgeably where they live, work and travel. Additionally, as co-founder of the Rights on Fights initiative, Ziv promotes inclusive air travel globally.
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Alvaro Silberstein
Founder and CEO, Wheel The World
With the goal of “enabling people with disabilities to explore the world without limitations,” avid traveler and wheelchair user Alvaro Silberstein co-founded Wheel The World, an online marketplace where people with disabilities can plan and book accessible trips. The Chilean entrepreneur, speaker, and passionate disability advocate had a vision to unite a community of avid explorers, and now Wheel the World is opening new doors for disability tourism around the world.
Fred Maass
Founder, Maahs Travels
Fred Maahs Jr., the man behind Maahs Travels, is widely known for his dedication to improving accessibility for people with disabilities. As a consultant and speaker, he is a passionate advocate for greater inclusivity and leveraging the vast market for disability representation. He is also the co-founder of JourneyAble, a storytelling platform, content network and social community dedicated to advancing accessibility on the global stage.