Frankfurt am Main, 17 September 2024 – KLEBER GROUP announces its cooperation with JOURNEYABLE, a global and interactive platform for inclusive travel for all. This collaboration marks a pioneering step towards more equitable travel opportunities. Over three decades ago, laws were introduced to ensure unrestricted access to public buildings, businesses, and transportation. Since then, the understanding of inclusivity in the travel sector has evolved significantly, through countless efforts of leadership in the industry, which have raised positive awareness of this important issue.
Another milestone will be reached in June 2025, when EU innovations on digital inclusion takes effect. This will impact hotels, tourism boards, and travel providers, guiding them to make their digital offerings more inclusive to underserved groups. Together with Journeyable, KLEBER GROUP aims to break new ground in this area.
“Inclusive and accessible travel opens the world to everyone, allowing people with diverse abilities to experience the richness of cultures, landscapes, and adventures. It’s not just about removing barriers but about creating new opportunities for connection, learning, and joy. Travel is a universal enrichment and making it accessible to everyone is a crucial step toward a more empathetic and inclusive world,” says Julia Kleber, CEO of KLEBER GROUP.
The Origin and Mission of JOURNEYABLE
The global platform (website, app) JOURNEYABLE originated in the United States and was born out of the vision of its founders, Tony Colantonio and Fred Maahs Jr, who sought global solutions for inclusive travel during a joint trip. Recognizing the diverse forms of needs of underrespresented travelers, JOURNEYABLE was founded to offer comprehensive and accessible travel experiences, making the global travel industry more inclusive. The platform serves as an information hub for both travelers and providers but does not sell bookings or tours.
Instead, JOURNEYABLE unites a strong network – including influencers, world health organizations, NGOs, and media – where tourism providers such as destinations, cities, hotels, airlines, and other stakeholders can share their inclusive products directly with the community and present themselves as inclusive travel destinations.
This allows tailored content and accessibility information to reach around 100 million potential travellers, while simultaneously increasing visitor numbers and economic benefits. Partnerships with leading advocacy groups and travel industry associations alike further promote inclusivity in tourism.
According to the latest estimates, the global population has reached 7.9 billion people, while according to WHO, around 1.4 billion people worldwide self report living with diverse needs. This number is just one indicator of the widespread prevalence of underserved groups and emphasizes the need for comprehensive, inclusive solutions in the tourism sector, such as those provided by JOURNEYABLE.
Recent studies from the 2024 Expedia Inclusive Travel Report show that the vast majority, 80%, of underserved travelers prioritize destinations where they feel welcome, and 86% of underserved travelers prioritize destiantions where they feel safe enormous potential for brand loyalty and revenue growth.
“Serving the JOURNEYABLE community is profoundly meaningful, providing an opportunity to make an impact on a more inclusive industry while supporting regenerative, sustainable, and travel for all. Not only is it the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do. Empowering inclusive practices, product, and services creates significant growth opportunities by meeting the needs of more travelers,” says Tony Colantonio, Co-founder of JOURNEYABLE.
Features and Offerings of JOURNEYABLE
- Filter content by travel type: JOURNEYABLE users can easily filter content based on various travel types, such as road trips or beach vacations. This feature makes it easier to find customized travel recommendations matching individual preferences and needs.
- Accessibility of airports and cruises: The platform provides comprehensive information about accessible airports and cruises, supported by relevant institutions.
- Episodic series and pioneers: JOURNEYABLE showcases exclusive episodic series, supported by prominent community members, including internationally renowned surfer Bethany Hamilton.
- Experience and travel reports: A variety of testimonials, including those from Paralympic athletes, offer exciting insights into real personal experiences and challenges to help and inspire other travellers.
“My personal mission is to inspire and equip anyone who needs support so they can live unstoppable lives. That’s why we’re so happy to finally launch JOURNEYABLE, a platform and community seeking to shift perspectives, normalize limitations, and inspire underserved travelers to see and experience the world responsibly and comfortably,” says Fred Maahs Jr., Co-founder of JOURNEYABLE.
Further information: www.Journeyable.org