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This summer, global outdoor accommodation booking platform Pitchup.com launched an ambitious initiative to improve accessibility in the outdoor travel sector.
Partnering with Purple Goat, a leading disability-led inclusive marketing agency, Pitchup.com conducted a comprehensive survey to identify key challenges faced by those with neurodivergence, chronic illness and physical disabilities when seeking outdoor accommodations.
With 83 percent reporting that accessibility issues play a significant factor in their decision to avoid outdoor travel, Pitchup.com used its findings to implement changes across its website that foster inclusivity and enhance the travel experience.
“Many people feel that this kind of holiday is not an option for them,” says Dan Yates, Founder and Managing Director of Pitchup.com. “We are failing the disabled community by not providing equal opportunity to reap the many benefits of outdoor vacations, from affordability in a cost-of-living crisis to the health benefits of connecting with nature.”
Pitchup.com’s survey polled more than 2,000 respondents who experience a spectrum of challenges and, using this research, the company has created a new set of website features that empower travellers with disabilities to book accommodation tailored to their needs.
The new accessibility filters include features like well-lit paths, accessible parking, dedicated quiet space and wheelchair-accessible bathrooms, and unit-specific features for fixed accommodations, like step-free access. Park managers can upload photos to provide visual confirmation of these features and provide additional details like the size of doorways for example.
Hundreds of parks have already added the filters to their listings and Pitchup.com is working hard to encourage wider use. Among Pitchup.com’s accessible campgrounds is Oak Leaf Hills in Alabama, ideal for wheelchair users, offering accessible parking and level terrain with step-free access, allowing guests to easily enjoy the natural beauty of its 116-acre forested setting. Casa La Pieve Camper Park in Albania is well-suited for travellers with hearing loss, featuring a hearing induction loop and accessible amenities like bathrooms and parking, along with the opportunity to explore nearby historic sites and natural attractions. Flowerdew Farm in England provides a welcoming environment for neurodivergent guests with spacious bathrooms, quiet areas, and level grounds, along with engaging activities and a host dedicated to creating an inclusive atmosphere.
“To search using the new filters, find the ‘Accessibility’ section and select the features you would like to be available on-site. The search will then only return parks that fit your criteria. You can use any combination that suits your needs, for example ‘Accessible parking at pitch’ and ‘Pitch close to accessible bathrooms’” says Yates.
Pitchup.com is also developing guides to the best accessible things to do in top locations, such as the new Pitchup.com guide to the Accessible Lake District.
For more information about Pitchup.com’s outdoor travel offerings, please visit Pitchup.com.
