TIA Study Finds Travelers With Disabilities Could Spend More

January 21, 2003

TIA Study Finds Travelers With Disabilities Could Spend More
The Travel Industry Association of America (TIA), in conjunction with The Open Doors Organization and the Society for Accessible Travel and Hospitality (SATH), recently released a study suggesting people with disabilities could spend at least $27 billion per year on travel, if certain needs were met.

According to the study, travelers with disabilities need a "meet and greet" at airports and preferred seating on airlines. Lodging issues include the need for rooms close to amenities and staff members that will go out of their way to accommodate these guests.

In 2002, Americans with disabilities spent $13.6 billion on 31.7 million trips. The suggestions for improvement included in the survey could increase expenditures by travelers with disabilities by 100 percent per year.

For more on this story, visit TIA.org.