A New Wave of Travel Inclusion
Traveling can be a stressful experience for anyone, but for neurodivergent individuals, including those on the autism spectrum, it can present unique challenges. However, the travel industry is beginning to respond to these needs. Across the globe, hotels, restaurants, and entire cities are working to ensure that they offer a more welcoming environment to all visitors, including those on the autism spectrum.
From bustling airports to overcrowded tourist attractions, the overwhelming sensory input can make travel particularly difficult for autistic individuals. But as more destinations seek to become autism-certified, they are demonstrating that small, thoughtful accommodations can make a significant difference.
Understanding the Challenge
Autism is a complex condition affecting social interactions, communication, and sensory processing. While the World Health Organization estimates that autism affects around 1% of children worldwide, the specific needs of autistic individuals can vary greatly.
For Kerry Magro, a best-selling author and autism advocate diagnosed at age four, travel offers important opportunities. “Travel can help improve social abilities, communication, and adaptability,” he says. “It helps us gain a better understanding of who we are and what we enjoy.”
Yet for many autistic travellers, accommodations that take their sensitivities into account can make the difference between an enjoyable holiday and a stressful experience.
Autism Certification: A Growing Trend
The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) has been working for over two decades to help businesses and destinations better serve neurodivergent visitors. By offering training that focuses on sensory awareness and sensitivity to autism, the organisation has certified more than 300 businesses worldwide, with several major destinations now receiving certification.
According to Meredith Tekin, president of IBCCES, their goal is to empower travel professionals and businesses to accommodate autistic visitors. “We incorporate best practices from experts, autistic individuals, and neurodivergent communities in our training,” Tekin says. This training extends beyond hotels and attractions to encompass entire cities.
The Rise of Autism-Certified Cities
One of the most recent success stories in this movement is Traverse City, Michigan, which became an autism-certified destination in August 2024. Known for its natural beauty and proximity to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Traverse City was motivated by the desire to welcome more diverse visitors.
“We wanted to make sure that our destination is truly welcoming to all,” says Whitney Waara, chief operating officer of Traverse City Tourism. For Craig Hadley, executive director of the Dennos Museum and father to an autistic son, the certification process was personal. “It may seem like a simple thing, but it means a lot to know that the staff understands our needs,” he says.
The Dennos Museum now offers amenities like quiet spaces, sensory maps, and noise-cancelling headphones to make the experience more comfortable for autistic visitors. In addition, the museum has introduced autism-friendly events such as sensory-friendly Halloween celebrations.
Learning from Mesa, Arizona
Traverse City’s efforts were inspired by Mesa, Arizona, which became the first US city to earn autism certification in 2019. What began as a tourism board initiative, sparked by the CEO’s experience as a parent of an autistic child, quickly gained support from the mayor and local businesses.
Mesa’s success led to the development of a “Live Life Limitless” passport, allowing visitors to easily find certified restaurants, hotels, and attractions. The city has also created sensory guides to help visitors prepare for their trips in advance.
“Whenever I speak with a resident, there’s this sense of pride in knowing our city is autism-friendly,” says Alison Brooks, vice president of destination experience at Visit Mesa.
A Step Forward for Neurodivergent Travel
For advocates like Kerry Magro, the increasing trend toward autism certification in travel is an encouraging development. He hopes that this is not a passing trend, but a lasting shift in how destinations view accessibility. “I hope this is a new reality that more of our community will be embraced with open arms,” he says.
As more cities and businesses recognise the importance of inclusivity, it’s clear that autism-friendly travel is more than just good practice—it’s a necessary step toward ensuring everyone can enjoy the benefits of travel.
This new wave of autism-certified destinations is transforming the travel experience for neurodivergent individuals, showing that with small changes, big impacts can be made. By expanding opportunities and creating more inclusive environments, these initiatives are making travel enjoyable for all.
