Connecting Travelers with Accessible Travel Options
Two weeks ago, DiscoverAble participated in De Aangepaste Vakantiebeurs, a travel fair specifically designed for accessible travel. Unlike traditional fairs, this one takes place on a ship, traveling through different cities in Belgium and the Netherlands to meet visitors where they are.
With 15 travel providers onboard and over 600 visitors in six days, the fair was a great opportunity to engage directly with travelers, answer their questions, and understand their travel needs.
Key Takeaways from De Aangepaste Vakantiebeurs
Speaking with so many travelers provided valuable insights into what people look for when booking accessible travel. Some key trends stood out:
• Small group travel is in high demand for both elderly travelers and younger people with accessibility needs.
• Top destinations include Norway (fjord cruises), Spain, and Greece.
• Arranging care while traveling is a major concern, especially in Belgium, where many travelers bring their own caregivers or volunteers.
The fair also highlighted how diverse accessibility needs are. While we may not always be able to assist every traveler, having multiple providers present ensured that visitors could find a travel option that suited them.
A Personal Moment
A special highlight for me was having my parents visit during our stop in Utrecht. They helped speak with visitors, shared their own experiences traveling with a disability, and discussed our future travel plans. It was great to see how their personal stories resonated with others.
What Happened After the Fair?
Since De Aangepaste Vakantiebeurs, DiscoverAble has already seen an increase in bookings and inquiries, including:
• Confirmed bookings to Spain, Denmark, and Greece, each catering to different accessibility needs and age groups.
• Requests for 2026 trips, including one for Australia, as well as growing interest in travel plans for next year.
This event reinforced how important it is to provide reliable, accessible travel options for people with different needs and preferences.
What’s Next?
DiscoverAble will be at Veine Dagen from March 20–22, a fair focused on education, mobility aids, and more for people with disabilities and their families.
If you or someone you know is looking for accessible travel options, or if you are part of an NGO or non-profit that needs a travel agent for group travel, feel free to reach out—we’d be happy to help!
English 
Dutch