Multigenerational travel: Meeting the accessibility needs of every generation
Operators with accessible facilities can capitalise on the growing trend of multigenerational travel, with extended families holidaying together
As travel trends evolve, a growing trend among retirees is to travel with their children and grandchildren, often contributing to the cost of the trip.
This shift has significant implications for accommodation providers who offer accessible options. Understanding these needs can be a significant opportunity to enhance your accessible offerings and attract a wider audience.
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As we age, our need for convenience and accessibility naturally increases. It’s not just about age-related conditions like arthritis, Parkinson’s, or multiple sclerosis. Many retirees seek convenient accessible features such as step-free access, step-free showers, and shower chairs to accommodate temporary mobility challenges like recent surgeries (e.g. knee or hip replacements) or simple age-related changes in mobility.
In Australia, 21.4 percent (one in five) of the population lives with a disability, and they, along with their families, are keen to travel. Additionally, the over-65 age group represents 16 percent of our population. These figures show that accessible travel is no longer a niche market—it’s a growing and essential sector.
So, how can you attract these multigenerational groups to your accommodation?
Here are some actionable tips:
- Promote multiple bedrooms, suites or interconnecting rooms: For hotels, interconnecting rooms can be a game-changer, particularly for families. Promote this feature, highlighting that families can stay together on the same floor for easy access and togetherness.
If you’re a holiday park or resort offering accessible cabins, consider offering adjoining cabins to your accessible cabins to accommodate extended families, creating the perfect environment for group stays.
- Enhance and highlight accessible common areas: Ensure your common spaces—pools, dining areas, lounges—are accessible to all. Include ramps, elevators, and wide, easily navigable pathways. Accessible bathrooms in these shared spaces are also key.
Consider making your pool accessible, replacing your old barbecue with an accessible one, or choosing accessible playground features. Make these features prominent in your marketing, clearly stating that your facilities cater to guests of all ages and mobility levels.
- Create multi-generational packages: Develop special packages designed for multigenerational groups, which can include accessible room options, family-focused activities, and discounts on local accessible attractions.
These tailored packages make it easier for families to choose your accommodation for their next getaway.
Related article: Accessible accommodation will be the ‘game changer’ for accommodations.
- Promote activities for all ages: While children may gravitate toward kid-friendly activities and grandparents may prefer a show or cultural experience, it’s essential to highlight activities in your region that cater to everyone.
For example, is the restaurant nearby welcoming of children, babies and people with disabilities? Research and promote regional activities that appeal to all ages, ensuring they are accessible. Are they step-free? Do they offer accessible facilities, such as restrooms or parking? Is there at least one activity that is accessible?
Including this information in your marketing ensures families can plan their trips with ease.
- Promote your accessible rooms, cabins, or apartments: If the person organising the trip knows you offer accessible convenience, they are far more inclined to book the group stay in the one location. After all, that’s the beauty of multi-generational travel; the family stays together.
Related article: Op-Ed: Yes bathrooms can be both beautiful and accessible
Accessible accommodations enable multi-generational families to enjoy activities together without limitations, creating lasting memories. After all, great memories are what a holiday is all about.
Accessible Accommodation and AccomNews will be at the NoVacancy Hotel & Accommodation Industry Expo 2025, held at the world-class ICC Sydney on 17 & 18 September 2025.
