ACRA, Snowmass Tourism become new participants for Accessible Travel Program

The Colorado Tourism Office, a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, announced Friday that four new participants are joining the Accessible Travel Program to advance accessible tourism, including Snowmass Tourism in partnership with Aspen Chamber Resort Association.

Snowmass Tourism and ACRA will be new participants along with Mountain Village, Visit Durango, and Visit Estes Park, according to a press release. The Accessible Travel Program works with Wheel the World, a travel platform specializing in accessible tourism, to provide on-site accessibility assessments, specialized training for hospitality professionals, and marketing support to selected locations.

“At ACRA, our mission has always been to make Aspen a place that is both extraordinary and welcoming,” ACRA President and CEO Debbie Braun told The Aspen Times in an email. “Being part of the Accessible Travel Program directly supports that mission by ensuring everyone can fully experience what makes Aspen special. It also reinforces our commitment to destination stewardship, where accessibility and inclusivity are essential to the long-term health of our community and visitor experience.”

Those who complete the program become a Destination Verified accessible site on Wheel the World’s platform and colorado.com. Accessibly verified businesses also earn a digital badge. 

ACRA and Snowmass Tourism applied together for the program, according to Braun, “because accessibility is something that benefits the entire valley, not just one destination.” Applications required sharing how community already supports accessible travel, Braun said, and outlining ways to enhance it going forward.

The Colorado Tourism Office selected four communities to participate. The selection of Snowmass Tourism and ACRA follows Glenwood Springs’, Pueblo’s, and Beaver Creek’s completion of the Accessible Travel Program last year.

“Colorado is committed to creating a welcoming and accessible environment for our visitors and residents who want to explore the beauty and experiences our state has to offer,” Eve Lieberman, Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade executive director, said in the release. “Through the Accessible Travel Program, the Colorado Tourism Office is leading the way in making travel more inclusive and strengthening Colorado’s reputation as a destination for all. Their outstanding commitment ensures everyone feels included and celebrated in Colorado.”

There are currently 70 tourism sites that have achieved Destination Verified accessibility status, encompassing attractions, accommodations, restaurants, retail, trails, guide services, and gondolas, the press release confirmed.

“Through the Accessible Travel Program, Colorado is showing the nation what inclusive travel can look like when accessibility is built into every experience,” Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera said in the release. “These communities are setting a powerful example that everyone — residents and visitors alike — deserves to explore the beauty and amazing opportunities across Colorado.”

Snowmass Tourism and ACRA will now work closely with the Colorado Tourism Office and Wheel the World to assess accessibility in the community, provide training for local businesses, and highlight accessible experiences through marketing channels, Braun confirmed, with the aim of making Aspen more inclusive while supporting the local tourism economy.

“Aspen has always been known for its spirit of inclusion and innovation,” Braun said. “We already have great programs through Challenge Aspen, adaptive ski and recreation offerings, and thoughtful design in many of our public spaces. But we know accessibility is a journey, not a destination. This program gives us an opportunity to listen, learn, and continue improving how we welcome all visitors to Aspen.”