Growth of Accessible Tourism in Quintana Roo

In 2024, the Mexican Caribbean region registered more than 6,500 visitors with some form of disability, including older adults and people with reduced mobility, such as wheelchair and scooter users. This segment has shown steady growth in recent years, driven by the adaptation of tourism infrastructure and services, such as the rental of mobility equipment, scooters, and regular, electric, and beach wheelchairs.

However, accessibility challenges persist. For example, in 2022, less than 1% of hotel rooms in Cancún and the Riviera Maya were adapted for people with disabilities or older adults. Furthermore, many establishments lack ramps, accessible bathrooms, and Braille signage, which limits the full inclusion of this tourist segment.

The Role of ForHandicapTravelers.com

ForHandicapTravelers.com is a Mexican company specializing in accessible tourism that has been operating in northern Quintana Roo since 2006. Its mission is to provide options and services to travelers with limited mobility or special needs who wish to visit the entire Mexican Caribbean. They offer reception services, adapted airport transportation, tourist guidance, and equipment rentals such as wheelchairs, scooters, hospital beds, shower and bath aids, and other assistive devices.

The existence of companies like ForHandicapTravelers.com is crucial to facilitating the inclusion of people with disabilities in tourism, as they complement public and private infrastructure, offering customized solutions that allow for a more accessible and comfortable tourist experience.

Inclusion Initiatives by Local Businesses

The Women’s Association of Tourism Business Executives of Quintana Roo (AFEET) is working on the creation of an “Inclusive Tourism Catalog.” This catalog will evaluate the accessibility of hotels, marinas, parks, and other tourist establishments in Cancún and the Riviera Maya, considering aspects such as ramps, handrails, adapted restrooms, and Braille signage. To date, approximately 30 establishments have been visited, with the intention of expanding this number in the future.

These initiatives reflect a growing commitment by the local tourism industry to improve accessibility and attract an increasingly important market segment.

Benefits of Accessible Tourism

1. Market Expansion: The inclusion of people with disabilities and older adults expands the potential customer base, increasing the demand for adapted tourism services.

2. Improving the Destination’s Image: An accessible destination projects an image of inclusion and social responsibility, which can attract tourists who are aware of these values.

3. Promoting Sustainable Tourism: Adapting infrastructure and services for people with disabilities also benefits other groups, such as families with young children or older adults without disabilities, promoting more inclusive and sustainable tourism.

Conclusion

Accessible tourism from Costa Mujeres, Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and the Riviera Maya is expanding, with a growing number of travelers seeking experiences tailored to their needs. Companies like ForHandicapTravelers.com play an essential role by offering specialized services that complement the adaptation efforts of the local tourism infrastructure. However, there is still work to be done to ensure full inclusion, especially in terms of accessibility in hotels and other tourist establishments.

Collaboration between the public and private sectors and specialized organizations is essential to position Quintana Roo as a truly inclusive and accessible destination for all.