31/07/25
Wheelchair Travel in Europe 2025: Complete Guide to Accessible Tourism
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Summer means freedom and holidays for most people. However, for those who experience mobility on wheels, every journey begins long before departure: through careful accessible travel planning, conscious selection of accessible transportation, accommodations, and services.
The groundbreaking study "Portrait of European Travellers with Mobility & Accessibility Needs 2025", published by MMGY Travel Intelligence in collaboration with ENAT and WTTC, captures testimonies from those who face these wheelchair travel challenges daily. The dual objective is to analyse the real conditions of travellers with disabilities and push institutions and hospitality structures to respond more effectively to their accessibility needs.
European Accessible Travel Research: Key Findings
This comprehensive European accessibility study was conducted across five major countries, involving over 3,000 participants from Italy, France, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The survey targeted active wheelchair users, people with other mobility disabilities or long-term health conditions, as well as their companions and caregivers.
Aria Wheels served as an official partner, contributing to survey distribution through our channels and with invaluable support from our ambassadors Arianna Talamona and Ilaria Naef, who promoted the initiative within their communities. Their contribution was fundamental in giving voice to those who travel daily with determination and practicality.
At Aria, we've always promoted travel as a moment of personal growth and a path to overcome limitations. This is demonstrated through our collaborations with Alessandro Velata and Diego Gastaldi, thanks to their travel experiences that inspire and motivate our community, reinforcing the message that mobility is freedom.
Another journey we decided to support was that of our friend Cristiano Salvatore Misasi, "Il Brigante in Handbike", who crossed his native Calabria by handbike in June, accompanied by a flame-red Aria 1.0 wheelchair during breaks between stages.
Let's explore what this first comprehensive European study on accessible tourism revealed.
Wheelchair Travel Statistics Europe 2025: What the Data Shows
Travel Frequency Among Wheelchair Users
Half of the respondents (46%) travel at least once annually.
This statistic confirms that the desire to explore knows no limits. Mobility accessibility is both a need and a profound desire. As a company, our mission is to create solutions that make every departure lighter, simpler, and more liberating.
Seasonal Travel Preferences for Accessible Tourism
40% prefer off-season travel to avoid crowds, stress, and accessibility obstacles.
Travelling during less crowded periods also means having greater environmental control, reducing unexpected challenges.
Transportation Barriers: The Persistent Challenge
84% experienced problems with accessible transportation.
The most common issues include complex boarding procedures, inadequate assistance, and unsuitable seating arrangements. Wheelchair travellers know this well: assistance isn't always adequate, and negative surprises lurk around every corner. We firmly believe that a solid, compact, easily transportable wheelchair can make the difference between a stressful journey and a serene one. We work daily to reduce weight—and not just in the physical sense.
Top Accessible Destinations in Europe
Italy (40%), Spain (37%), and France (35%) lead the rankings of preferred accessible destinations.
Having Italy at the top of preferences makes us proud, but we also know our country still has much to do regarding widespread accessibility infrastructure. We'll continue pushing for cultural and infrastructural change, powered by our community's stories.
Accessible Accommodation: The Trust Factor
74% require detailed photos before booking an accessible room.
Wheelchair travellers cannot afford uncertainty. Narrow spaces, non-existent ramps, or inaccessible bathrooms transform vacations into frustration. We demand transparency and clarity, joining those who require verifiable quality standards.
Accessibility Travel Costs and Budget Planning
64% spend between 10% and 30% of their total budget ensuring accessibility.
Accessible travel shouldn't cost more. Our products are born from this philosophy: an investment in quality and durability that reduces additional costs and improves daily quality of life, including during travel.
Premium Wheelchairs Designed for Travel
For us at Aria Wheels, a wheelchair isn't just a mobility aid: it's an extension of the person, an instrument of expression and independence. The lightness of our models, custom personalisation, and material quality are designed to accompany those who love to move, depart, discover, and return enriched.
Whether it's an urban excursion, intercontinental flight, or road trip vacation, mobility solutions should be an ally, never a limitation.
The Future of Accessible Tourism in Europe
This comprehensive disability travel research clearly shows that barriers exist, but also reveals a vibrant, active community ready to push beyond current limitations. We believe this study can become a fundamental starting point and reference for industry operators to evolve and increasingly approach truly inclusive tourism.
Accessibility inclusion is a collective journey, and we at Aria Wheels are proud to be part of it, alongside those who believe that moving means living.
About This Accessible Travel Study
The "Portrait of European Travellers with Mobility & Accessibility Needs 2025" represents the most comprehensive analysis of wheelchair travel trends across Europe, providing essential insights for:
Travel industry professionals
Accessibility advocates
Policy makers
Travellers with mobility needs
Hospitality providers
Key Research Methodology
Sample size: 3,000+ participants
Geographic scope: Italy, France, Germany, Spain, United Kingdom
Participant profile: Wheelchair users, mobility-impaired travellers, caregivers
Research partners: MMGY Travel Intelligence, ENAT, WTTC
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