Accessible accommodations enable multi-generational families to enjoy activities together without limitations, creating lasting memories. After all, great memories is what a holiday is all about.Kerry WilliamsFounder Accessible Accommodation

Accessible Accommodation: The Key to Welcoming Multigenerational Travellers.

Family holidays are changing.

More retirees are choosing to travel with their adult children and grandchildren, and in many cases, they are also helping fund the trip. For accommodation providers, this creates a valuable opportunity: the chance to welcome larger family groups who want to stay together, travel comfortably and enjoy shared experiences without unnecessary barriers.

For these groups, accessibility is not simply a “nice to have”. It can be the deciding factor in where the whole family chooses to stay.

As people age, their need for comfort, convenience and accessible design often increases. This does not always relate to permanent disability. A guest may be recovering from a knee or hip replacement, managing reduced mobility, experiencing balance concerns, or simply wanting the ease of step-free access and a safer bathroom setup.

Features such as step-free entry, walk-in showers, shower chairs, wider pathways and accessible parking can make a holiday feel easier, safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

And the market is significant.

Around 1 in 5 people live with disability. The over-65 population also makes up a substantial and growing part of the community. Add family members, carers and travelling companions into the mix, and it becomes clear that accessible tourism is not a niche. It is a mainstream travel need.

For accommodation providers, the question is no longer whether accessibility matters. It is how clearly you show guests that you can meet their needs.

 Image source: Canva

How accommodation providers can attract multigenerational travellers

1. Make it easy for families to stay close together

When grandparents, parents and children travel together, proximity matters.

Hotels can appeal to these groups by promoting interconnecting rooms, suites or rooms located on the same floor. This gives families the ability to stay connected while still enjoying privacy and space.

For holiday parks, resorts and cabin-style accommodation, consider how accessible cabins can be paired with nearby or adjoining cabins. This can be especially appealing for extended families who want to share the holiday experience without squeezing everyone into one space.

The easier you make it for the whole family to stay together, the more attractive your property becomes.

2. Think beyond the room

Accessible accommodation is not just about the bedroom or bathroom.

Guests also need to know whether they can comfortably access the places where holiday memories happen: the pool, restaurant, BBQ area, playground, lounge, garden paths and communal facilities.

Review your shared spaces and consider whether they include:

- Step-free or ramped access
- Wide, clear pathways
- Accessible toilets in common areas
- Lift access where needed
- Accessible pool entry and making the pool accessible.
- Inclusive playground features
- BBQs and outdoor settings that can be used by guests with mobility needs

Once these features are in place, make them visible in your marketing. Do not make guests hunt for accessibility information like it’s buried treasure. Clear, practical details help families book with confidence.

3. Create packages for family groups

Multigenerational travellers are often planning around a mix of needs, ages and interests. A tailored package can make the decision easier.

Accommodation providers could consider packages that include accessible room options, flexible bedding arrangements, family-friendly inclusions and information about nearby accessible attractions.

You could also partner with local tourism operators, restaurants or attractions that are accessible or inclusive. This helps position your property as more than a place to sleep. It becomes part of an easier, better-planned holiday experience.

4. Promote activities that work for different ages and abilities

A successful family holiday usually includes something for everyone.

Children may want playgrounds, beaches or animal encounters. Parents may be looking for relaxed dining and easy logistics. Grandparents may enjoy scenic drives, cultural attractions, gardens, shows or gentle walks.

When promoting your region, include accessibility details that help families plan. For example:

- Is the attraction step-free?
-  Are accessible toilets available?
- Is accessible parking nearby?
- Are pathways suitable for mobility aids?
- Is the venue welcoming for children, babies, older guests and people with disability?
- Are there dining options that suit a broad range of needs?

Even one well-explained accessible activity can make a destination feel more achievable for a family group.

5. Clearly promote your accessible rooms, cabins or apartments

Many properties have accessible features but fail to communicate them well.

If the person organising the trip can see that your property offers accessible convenience, they are far more likely to book the entire group stay with you. This is especially true when one family member has mobility needs, is recovering from surgery, or simply requires a safer and more practical environment.

Make sure your website includes clear information about your accessible accommodation, including photos, room layouts, bathroom details, access points and nearby facilities. And most importantly, show your Accessible Tourism Accreditation Program sticker. It is a well recognised and easily identifiable messages that says you are in fact accessible.

Vague phrases like “accessible room available” are rarely enough. Guests need specifics.

6. Consulting resource

If you are looking to transform your property into a genuinely welcoming place for travellers of all abilities, you don’t just need to tick boxes — you need to deliver an experience.  Accessible Accommodation's Guest Experience Consulting services assists businesses who are either already accessible, or would like to modify their property to become accessible. Learn more about this resource here>

7. Inclusion training for you and your staff

Empower your staff to confidently welcome guests with disabilities, ensuring a seamless & exceptional guest experience. In our self-paced online course, we focus on practical steps and cost-effective changes informed by real-world feedback. Learn more here>

Accessible stays help families holiday together

At its heart, multigenerational travel is about connection.

Families want to share meals, explore new places, relax together and create memories across generations. Accessible accommodation makes that possible by reducing barriers and giving everyone more confidence to participate.

For accommodation providers, investing in accessibility is not only the right thing to do. It is also a smart way to appeal to a growing travel market that values comfort, inclusion and ease.

Because a great holiday is not just about where people stay.

It is about making sure everyone can be part of it.

Kerry Williams

Founder Accessible Accommodation