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The Colorado Tourism Office has accepted Visit Durango into its Accessible Travel Program, which highlights places accessible to people with disabilities.
The program is partnered with Wheel the World, a travel agency that verifies destination accessibility and connects people with disabilities to destinations.
Kat Brail, Visit Durango engagement and inclusion specialist, said 25 Durango businesses and organizations will be invited to partner with Wheel the World representatives to evaluate their accessibility and work on ways to heighten inclusivity for travelers of all demographics.
“Here’s where you stand. Here are some recommendations, like quick fixes that you can make, and then here are longer-term ideas that you could implement,” she said of the process.
Wheel the World mappers are scheduled to visit Durango establishments in March. In addition to working hands-on with Wheel the World agents – who will take photos and measurements of establishments as part of their analysis – participating businesses and organizations will have access to online educational and training resources aimed at enhancing accessibility, she said.
Visit Durango spokeswoman Rachel Welsh said the city has integrated accessibility into planning, infrastructure and community development, which it highlighted in its application to the Colorado Tourism Office’s Accessible Travel Program.
The application noted the city is retrofitting curb ramps, crosswalks and sidewalks, has expanded bus stops and deployed low-floor buses for mobility device users.
Durango Parks and Recreation has improved trail surfaces, built accessible restrooms and installed inclusive playground equipment in community parks, according to the application.
“Beyond the physical environment, Durango has prioritized digital inclusion by upgrading its website for screen reader compatibility and readability, creating accessible PDF templates for public documents, and introducing captioning for public meetings and virtual events,” an excerpt of the application said.
Brail said she will act as a liaison between the Accessible Tourism Program and participating establishments. Visit Durango is aiming to establish clear and detailed information for travelers considering visiting the city.
“It’s really key that they know what they’re getting into,” she said. “They want to feel confident in making a decision and selecting a destination.”
Through the program, Visit Durango will develop a webpage featuring hotels, attractions and restaurants with accessibility information travelers can use when planning their trips.
“The Accessible Travel Program showcases Colorado’s commitment to removing barriers and creating more accessible experiences for all visitors to Colorado,” Timothy Wolfe, Colorado Tourism Office director, said in a Visit Durango news release. “By fostering greater connection and new opportunities for travelers, we also strengthen local tourism economies. That’s a win for visitors and a win for the Colorado communities that welcome them.”
The Colorado Tourism Office recently began the Accessible Travel Program’s second year, which fits into its 10-year destination stewardship plan that focuses on inclusion and stewardship, Brail said.
Durango joins Snow Mass, Estes Park and Mountain Village in the program this year. Pueblo, Beaver Creek and Glenwood Springs were the debut cities to participate in the program last year, she said.
“This program will provide the tools to expand and continue the work surrounding accessible travel in Durango. Wheel the World is an organization that has been at the forefront of the necessary advancement in accessible travel within the tourism industry,” she said.
cburney@durangoherald.com
