Colorado Spotlights ‘inclusive tourism experiences’
Last month, the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT), issued a press release in which the state agency announced what it called “a curated, multi-day destination tour and retreat dedicated entirely to accessible travel.”
The event was organized alongside accessible travel company Wheel the World.
According to the OEDIT, the event, held September 9–12 in Denver, “brought together more than 20 accessibility advocates, influencers, journalists and Colorado tourism leaders for a series of adaptive outdoor adventures, culinary and cultural experiences and meaningful conversations about accessibility in travel,” adding “set against the backdrop of The Mile High City, the multi-day experience showcased Colorado as a destination setting the national standard for inclusive travel” with kayaking and more.
“The Polis-Primavera administration is committed to building a Colorado for All,” Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera said in a statement included in the press release. “Colorado is proud to lead the way in making travel inclusive so that everyone, regardless of ability, can experience the beauty, adventure, and culture our state has to offer. This gathering shows what’s possible when we commit to breaking down barriers and ensuring that travel is truly for all.”
The aforementioned “Polis” refers to Jared Polis (D), Colorado’s governor.
Colorado, which boasts it’s “the best state in the nation for people with disabilities” according to the AAA State of Play 2025 Report, said the recent event builds on efforts by the Tourism Office and Wheel the World to “promote and expand accessible travel in the state, including the Accessible Travel Program launched in August 2024.” The program is described as “[seeking] to enhance accessibility in key tourist destinations, ensuring that Colorado continues to be a welcoming place for all travelers.”
“This gathering was about more than exploring Colorado’s natural beauty and engaging culture,” said Alvaro Silberstein, co-founder and chief executive officer of Wheel the World, in his own statement for the release. “It was about connection and progress. The Colorado Tourism Office is confidently showing what’s possible when destinations lead with accessibility and prioritize the experiences of travelers with disabilities.”
As of this writing, Colorado is one state I’ve yet to visit despite some of the closest people in my life living there. (In fact, I have a note in Apple Notes tallying the states I’ve visited; I’m up to 9 thus far.) As I’ve written several times in my extensive coverage of Airbnb’s accessibility efforts, travel and technology indeed have relation. In this case, that Colorado has invested considerable resources into making its state accessible to visitors (and residents) involves technology in the adaptations and, obviously, in the dissemination of the news—the latter of which is crucial because it’s highly likely the majority of people are unaware about ostensibly obscure inclusive travel initiatives.
Colorado’s accessible travel news was preceded by California’s own announcement in early August that it launched its first-ever Accessibility Hub. The state described the website as “a comprehensive online resource designed to empower travelers with disabilities to explore the Golden State with greater ease and confidence [and an] initiative [supporting] both travelers and industry professionals with tools, tips and curated content aimed at making California more inclusive and navigable for all.”
