How The Travel Industry is Becoming More Inclusive for Travelers With Autism

Travel is becoming more accessible for travelers with autism, in large part due to rigorous certification programs and an increased desire from destinations to improve overall accessibility. 

But how, exactly, is the travel industry adjusting to make the world a more accessible place for travelers with autism? 

Why Is Autism Accessibility Important?

According to Autism Speaks, a leading autism awareness organization, one in 31 children in the U.S. is on the autism spectrum. For adults, that number is one in 45. Around one in 100 children are diagnosed with autism globally.

The numbers are clear: There are a lot of people in the U.S. and worldwide who are on the autism spectrum. 

Unfamiliar surroundings, large crowds or loud noises can all be triggers for sensory overload for people with autism. Travel, which can invite unexpected experiences and unfamiliar stimuli, might be overwhelming for a traveler on the spectrum, leading many people and families with autism to forgo traveling.

“Autism can be isolating due to the potential for meltdowns by a person with autism because of being overstimulated by lights, crowds, smells, loud noises,” explains Becky Large, TEDx speaker and CEO of Autism Travel Club. “These episodes many times lead to judgement and rude comments by bystanders, many times making it easier for the family to just stay home.”

Luckily, because of activism from people like Large, the world is growing more and more accessible for travelers with autism.

The Role of Certification Programs in Increasing Accessibility

How is the travel industry becoming more inclusive and accessible for travelers with autism? Certification and training programs are a major factor.

Two organizations take two different but similar approaches to autism accessibility. 

IBCCES, the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, has been working to improve accessibility for over 20 years, offering training and certification programs, including the Certified Autism Center (CAC) and Certified Autism Destination (CAD) programs.

Emirates Boeing 777 (photo via Emirates) (Photo Credit: (photo via Emirates))

Any place — airports, theme parks, hotels, tour operators and even whole destinations — can become autism-certified. In fact, Emirates became the world’s first Autism Certified Airline by IBCCES in April 2024, leading the way toward making air travel more accessible.

“Our role is to guide organizations so inclusion initiatives are meaningful and also educate destinations and tourism-related organizations to understand how accessibility and inclusion is a win-win for everyone,” said Meredith Tekin, President of IBCCES. 

IBCCES certification — which must be renewed every two years — requires that 80 percent of the public-facing personnel at an attraction or destination have received training in autism and sensory sensitivities. It may also require an on-site review and sensory guides to enhance accessibility.

What types of places have become CACs? The list gets longer each year. In Orlando alone, there’s Legoland Florida Resort, Peppa Pig Theme Park, Aquatica, DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld, Fairfield Inn & Suites and SpringHill Suites.

The Kids Camp at Beaches Negril resort. All Beaches resorts are IBCCES certified. (Photo Credit: Beaches Resorts)

Additionally, Beaches Resorts, the Santa Barbara Zoo and Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Park Zoo and Resort are just some of the CACs that exist throughout the world.

“For travelers, it can alleviate fears of being misunderstood or not feeling welcomed, and the tools we provide such as sensory guides can help travelers better plan their experiences,” said Tekin. “We want to help improve the quality of life and enhance the confidence for individuals to try new experiences through our programs.”

Certified Autism Destinations take it one step further; they are defined as a city or municipality with several different CAC-designated attractions, experiences and accommodations for travelers to enjoy. 

Traverse City in Michigan, Greater Palm Springs in California and High Point in North Carolina all boast this CAD designation, going the distance to provide a fun, inclusive and accessible travel experience for all. 

IBCCES isn’t alone in its work making travel more accessible for travelers with autism — 23 Margaritaville properties throughout the U.S. just achieved the Autism Double-Checked certification, a different verification program.  

Autism Travel Club, meanwhile, takes a different approach.

“The goal of ATC is to educate businesses and communities on the needs and accommodations of people living with autism, creating opportunities for ‘traditional’ family experiences, modified for the person with autism, so the entire family can have peace of mind knowing participating businesses are trained, aware and ready to provide a supported, welcoming, non-judgmental experience — whether that be a meal out, visit to an attraction or a vacation,” said Becky Large, ATC’s CEO.

Participating businesses enroll in ATC’s Autism Ready program, which provides educational modules. Once certified, members of ATC can see the list of Autism Ready businesses and, with an upgraded membership, receive discounts to those businesses.

When travelers visit a certified business or attraction, the staff are also alerted so they can respond with the training they’ve learned. 

More recently, DMOs and Chambers of Commerce have participated in ATC’s training programs, including Visit Myrtle Beach, Explore North Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach in South Carolina; Laurel Highlands in Pennsylvania; and Experience Kissimmee in Florida.

What Makes an Autism-Friendly Destination? 

Aerial view of Traverse City in autumn. (Photo Credit: Traverse City Tourism)

What exactly does an autism-friendly destination look like — and how is it different from uncertified destinations?

CADs offer a variety of accommodations and experiences that are CACs, ensuring travelers with autism can enjoy as much as they can. 

“The CAD ensures there are multiple places for travelers to stay and play that are trained and ready to welcome autistic visitors and their travel companions,” said Tekin of IBCCES. “Every destination is unique, but by meeting the CAD requirements, it signals the destination as a whole has invested in being more inclusive. It also allows for travelers to have a multitude of options to choose from in one destination rather than just one or two locations or activities where they feel welcomed.”

Greater Palm Springs in California is the newest destination to receive the certification. It boasts five CAC-certified hotels: Drift Hotel Palm Springs, Hampton Inn & Suites Palm Desert, JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage and Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, Indian Wells.

Additionally, the region offers CAC-designated activities, experiences, restaurants and community partners, including Visit Greater Palm Springs, along with several city governments.

Traverse City in Michigan is another CAD, offering several certified accommodations and experiences, including Great Wolf Lodge, the Great Lakes Children’s Museum, Seaside Sailing Excursions and more. 

“Sometimes it’s as simple as creating a quiet space or helping provide accurate information about what a certain experience is like and how to navigate it easily before the visitors arrive,” said Whitney Waara, COO of Traverse City Tourism.

ATC’s Autism Ready Destinations also offer several designated Autism Ready experiences and accommodations. Visit Myrtle Beach is one such destination and was recently featured on the Peacock docuseries “Traveling the Spectrum” for its dedication to autism accessibility. 

Travelers heading to Myrtle Beach can enjoy visiting several state parks, Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, Brookgreen Garden and much more. The official tourism website provides lists of sensory-friendly restaurants, experiences and accommodations for travelers. 

An Encouraging Future for Travelers With Autism

The travel industry — from specific hotels to broader destinations and travel brands — is working toward greater accessibility for travelers of all abilities. 

With passionate advocacy and training organizations empowering industry businesses to welcome travelers with autism and to understand their needs, the world becomes a kinder, more inclusive place for all — and isn’t that one of the great purposes of travel? 

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