Utah Businesses Lead the Way in Accessible Travel With New Certification Program

Utah Businesses Lead the Way in Accessible Travel With New Certification Program
  • calendar_today July 13, 2026
  • Business

Utah reinforced its status as a leader in accessible travel this month, as Visit Park City and Wheel the World launched a regional initiative enabling 30 local businesses to achieve Accessibility Verified seals. This innovative program signals a deeper commitment to inclusive tourism, ensuring visitors of all abilities benefit from trusted information about disability access across the area’s accommodations, attractions, and services.

New Accessibility Verification for Utah Businesses

The collaborative effort between Visit Park City and Wheel the World brings a new standard for business accessibility in Utah. Businesses were rigorously assessed based on criteria including step-free entryways, accessible restrooms, clear and visible signage, and thoughtful accommodations for a spectrum of disabilities. Those meeting the requirements earned the Accessibility Verified seal, a mark quickly becoming sought-after in the hospitality sector.

Celebration Set at the National Ability Center

The official launch of the Accessibility Verified program will be held on July 23 at Utah’s National Ability Center, a local leader in adaptive recreation. This event not only spotlights the businesses that achieved the new certification but also celebrates ongoing efforts to strengthen inclusive tourism statewide. The National Ability Center’s work in fostering independence for people with disabilities underlines Park City’s role as a beacon for accessible travel options.

Expanding Opportunities for Travelers With Disabilities

The partnership elevates Park City as a prominent accessible destination featured on Wheel the World’s international marketplace, making it easier than ever for travelers with disabilities to discover, evaluate, and plan memorable trips to Utah. The statewide drive sets a benchmark for disability access by enabling transparent, standardized information that millions of global travelers depend on when selecting their destinations.

Long-Term Vision: Growing Accessible Offerings

Building upon initial success, Visit Park City has set an ambitious target to expand the program’s reach, aiming for over 60 local businesses to become Accessibility Verified by 2027. This growth is expected to involve hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, and community centers, all of which play a critical role in the visitor experience. The chamber is encouraging more businesses interested in enhancing their accessibility standards to reach out and participate in upcoming hospitality training and assessment opportunities.

Competitive Edge Through Verified Accessibility

As competition intensifies across global tourism markets, Utah’s leaders in accessible travel view verified status as a significant competitive advantage. For businesses, earning the Accessibility Verified seal means not only compliance with best practices, but also inclusion on platforms that directly reach the 1.3 billion people with disabilities worldwide. Verified businesses are seamlessly connected with the vast community of individuals, families, and caregivers seeking reliable, accessible options in tourism and recreation.

Community Commitment to Inclusivity and Adventure

This initiative reflects the region’s pride in championing inclusivity and adventure for all. Utah’s proactive stance in supporting inclusive tourism and business accessibility is seen as a model for other destinations seeking to meet the diverse needs of modern travelers. As more local businesses pursue Accessibility Verified status, the region strengthens its reputation for hospitality, opportunity, and leadership in the accessible travel movement.

For More Information

Utah businesses interested in joining the Accessibility Verified program can contact the Park City Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau for additional details about application, assessment, and training opportunities. The ongoing partnership between Park City organizations and Wheel the World continues to drive momentum, promising lasting benefits for Utah’s visitors and residents alike.