In a bold move set to reshape how we view accessible tourism, TravelAbility is proud to announce the launch of its First Annual TravelAbility Film Festival. Slated to take place at the 2025 TravelAbility Summit, held from October 13–15 at Sunriver Resort in Central Oregon, this innovative event will highlight the power of storytelling in the travel industry, focusing on accessibility and inclusion. The festival aims to celebrate and amplify the voices of creators, brands, and advocates who are driving change in how accessible travel is shared and perceived.

The travel and tourism industry has seen a notable shift in recent years as destinations, hotels, and influencers increasingly focus on accessibility. The TravelAbility Film Festival seeks to bring this movement into the spotlight, showcasing short videos that explore accessibility with originality, purpose, and impact. Whether it’s showcasing personal experiences, destination marketing campaigns, or behind-the-scenes tours, these videos reveal the meaningful work taking place in this space. This new festival celebrates the diverse stories that showcase inclusive travel and encourages others in the industry to think differently about accessibility.

A New Opportunity to Celebrate Accessible Travel

Accessibility is not just a trend; it’s a critical aspect of how travel is evolving. Accessible storytelling is already happening across platforms, from destination marketing videos and social media reels to firsthand accounts of travelers with disabilities. However, until now, there hasn’t been a central place to honor these creators and the work they’re doing. The TravelAbility Film Festival fills that void, bringing together creators who are reshaping the narrative surrounding accessible travel.

The festival will feature short films in three distinct categories:

• Destination Marketing Organizations
• Attractions, Hotels & Restaurants
• Content Creators & Influencers

Submissions will be accepted in MP4 format, with videos limited to a maximum of 5 minutes. Each participant is allowed to submit in one category only. As the first festival of its kind, TravelAbility provides a platform for creators to showcase their work and demonstrate how inclusive travel is becoming an integral part of the global tourism conversation.

A Platform for Diverse Voices in Accessible Travel

With the TravelAbility Film Festival, there’s a clear emphasis on amplifying voices that are traditionally underrepresented in the travel industry. The festival invites destination marketing organizations, attractions, and content creators to submit their best videos that highlight accessibility in an authentic and meaningful way. Videos can range from marketing campaigns to personal stories, all aimed at showing how accessibility plays a role in enriching the travel experience for everyone.

The submissions will be evaluated by a diverse jury consisting of filmmakers, disabled travelers, and inclusive marketing experts. These individuals will assess each video based on its creativity, impact, and message. The top three entries in each category will be recognized, and the Best in Festival will be awarded the ultimate honor for its excellence in showcasing the importance of accessible travel.

The Importance of Representation in the Travel Industry

For far too long, travelers with disabilities have been left out of mainstream travel marketing and representation. The TravelAbility Film Festival is a step in the right direction to change that. By recognizing the innovative work of creators and brands that are leading the charge in accessible travel, the festival hopes to encourage other industry leaders to follow suit. TravelAbility’s goal is not only to celebrate accessibility but to push the boundaries of what it means to be inclusive in the travel sector.

The festival will also serve as a catalyst for new ideas and strategies, inspiring the industry to continue prioritizing accessibility as a core value in its offerings. As more companies invest in accessible travel solutions, travelers with disabilities will have even more opportunities to explore new destinations, stay at hotels with universal design features, and interact with brands that truly understand their needs.

How to Get Involved: Submit Your Entry Today

Submissions for the First Annual TravelAbility Film Festival are now open, and entries will be accepted until August 15, 2025, or until the limit of 75 entries is reached. If you are a content creator, destination marketer, or part of an organization committed to making travel more inclusive, now is your chance to be part of something groundbreaking. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be recognized as a leader in accessible travel.

Finalist videos will be screened live at the 2025 TravelAbility Summit, in front of travel professionals, destination marketers, and accessibility leaders. This is the perfect occasion to highlight your work in front of a highly engaged audience of like-minded individuals.

Why This Festival Matters: Empowering Change in the Travel Industry

The TravelAbility Film Festival isn’t just about showcasing videos—it’s about creating lasting change in how the travel industry approaches accessibility. As the global conversation around inclusive tourism grows, it’s essential for both the industry and the public to understand the true importance of accessible travel. By elevating diverse voices and fostering greater representation, TravelAbility is helping to pave the way for a more inclusive, equitable, and welcoming travel industry for all.

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