Wheel the World has announced the launch of a new industry affiliate program. The online travel booking platform empowering persons with disabilities and seniors to explore the globe is inviting travel advisors to make travel more accessible and inclusive for all. With various partnership models, the affiliate program offers travel advisors the chance to provide Wheel the World’s certified accessible travel experiences, including accommodation, transportation and activities with a focus on serving travelers with disabilities, seniors and their accompanying friends and family. Wheel the World formalized its affiliate program after more than 50 travel advisors reached out to the startup on behalf of their clients, seeking partnership and insights on accessible travel.
“Our hope for the new affiliate program is to encourage travel agents to consider the full experience from start to finish for travelers with disabilities,” said Alvaro Silberstein, co-founder and CEO, Wheel the World, in a press release. “For example, tour operators may think a ramp to access an attraction is enough for a traveling wheelchair user, but what if the bathroom at the same attraction is not accessible? How could a visual experience be communicated and enjoyed by a blind person? We pose these questions to carefully design travel experiences that are fully accessible and impactful to our affiliate partners’ customers.”
Travel advisors will gain access to nearly 800 up-to-date accessible travel listings in 117 destinations across 27 countries via Wheel the World’s affiliate program. Participants can generate commission for every Wheel the World service booked for their clients. Following a simple registration process, travel advisors will gain access to Wheel the World Academy—a complimentary program with expert tips about accessible travel and how to better market to and serve travelers with disabilities. The inclusive company continues to expand its offerings to consumers and travel advisors in a bid to connect over a billion people with disabilities around the world so they can enjoy their travel experiences.
Wheel the World’s extensive accessibility data is compiled via crowdsourcing more than 200 data points, such as wheelchair accessibility, inclusive staff training, transportation logistics, Braille signage availability, ramp access, adaptive equipment requirements, bed height, room measurements and more. Each travel listing on www.gowheeltheworld.com outlines accessibility points so users can learn about accommodation, activities, multi-day private trips or group tours that can meet their distinct needs. This international aggregation of detailed accessibility information will serve as a good resource for travel advisors.
On April 12, Wheel the World will also offer U.S. travel advisors, hoteliers, tour operators and other hospitality groups a webinar. Presented by Juan Pinto, head of accessibility, Wheel the World, the webinar will review the history and importance of accessible travel; how to make products and services more accessible; and the data-informed solutions to address inaccessibility in the industry.
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