Why Glamping Businesses Need Web Accessibility

Glamping is inherently a one-of-a-kind experience. It’s a way for travelers to enjoy the beautiful outdoors and pristine scenery while still having all the amenities and conveniences they need to feel comfortable.

BY DENISE PÁNE

Travel businesses have long thrived on taking care of guests and delivering a spectacular experience from start to finish. However, the internet has revolutionized many aspects of our lives—and hospitality is no exception.

Just as you provide your clients with the right accommodations and services they need to feel at home, your establishment should also be taking care of their digital needs. That’s because today the guest experience begins from the moment they Google your name and interact with your website online. So, what’s the problem?

The Problem

71% of websites are unusable by those with disabilities. And when you consider that over 1 billion people across the globe have a disability that affects their ability to navigate online, it’s clear that inaccessible websites are dramatically costing hospitality companies.

Instead of excluding potential customers from your offerings, glamping businesses who prioritize accessibility will reap the rewards of revenue growth and delighted guests—while also shielding their business from expensive accessibility lawsuits.

“71% of websites are unusable by those with disabilities.”

A Rundown of Website Accessibility

The web accessibility movement asserts that everybody should be able to use any website on the internet—regardless of any physical or mental conditions.

People often think of accessibility as helping those who are blind, deaf, or in a wheelchair. While it definitely includes these disabilities, there are various conditions that impact how someone can interact online, generally grouped into a few categories:

• Visual Impairment (low vision, color blindness)

• Hearing Impairment (full and partial deafness)

• Physical Disabilities (arthritis, tremors, missing limbs)

• Cognitive & Learning Disabilities (dyslexia, ADHD, autism)

To ensure digital accessibility, sites need to be designed and coded according to official guidelines called Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These standards ensure that people with a range of disabilities can interact with the website, as well as compatibility with assistive devices such as braille terminals, text-to-speech software and head wands.

Having an accessible website doesn’t only benefit those with disabilities. It improves the user experience for all customers, including:

• Older adults with changing abilities due to aging (low vision, trembling hands, memory loss)

• Those with temporary disabilities (like a broken hand)

• People browsing on mobile, smart TVs and other devices

• Those with situational limitations (such as in direct sunlight or quiet places where they cannot listen to the audio within a video)

So how exactly can glamping businesses benefit from web accessibility?

Drive New Bookings

Your website cannot convert online traffic into guests if the user can’t use the site in the first place. Sounds obvious, right? But your pool of potential customers shrinks when it’s inaccessible to the 25% of the population that live with a disability. To ignore this market segment is also ignoring their massive $7 trillion spending power. Instead, a website optimized for accessibility by certified experts removes the various barriers to communication. This opens the door to millions of prospective customers—allowing your business to widen its reach to a broader audience and maximize profits.

Your website is where potential customers learn about your establishment, view your photo gallery, see your amenities, understand your offerings, and make a reservation. An accessible website is key in driving new bookings—having a dramatic effect on your bottom line.

The world is now digital— a trend that’s only gaining more momentum with each passing year. And that means that web accessibility is no longer optional for travel businesses.

Prevent Expensive Lawsuits

The world is now digital—a trend that’s only gaining more momentum with each passing year. And that means that web accessibility is no longer optional for travel businesses. Both public and private companies are required to have an accessible website to operate across industries with legislation like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Introduced in 1990, the ADA protects people with disabilities from discrimination and ensures they can fully participate in all parts of society. It’s why brick-and-mortar businesses are required to have elements like wheelchair ramps, pushto-open door buttons, and accessible restroom facilities in order to operate. That same sentiment now extends online.

Failure to comply with the ADA and other enforceable laws can lead to stiff penalties and open your business up to expensive lawsuits. With more laws being introduced to protect the rights of those with disabilities also comes greater chances of having legal action brought against your organization. Beyond the costly legal fees, a lack of inclusivity can also lead to lasting brand damage for travel businesses. In fact, according to Usable’s 2021 study, accessibility cases haves nearly doubled from 2018.

This trend is exponentially growing as we become more reliant on the internet.

Thrill Your Guests

Glamping and other hospitality businesses already make their name on delighting guests and providing excellent customer services. Helpful staff, seamless check-in and check-out processes, clean amenities and personal touches are done to provide a top-notch travel experience for your clients.

Creating an inviting, warm and inclusive atmosphere now stretches online before they even arrive at your establishment. Web accessibility helps your business to welcome would-be travelers from the very moment they’re mulling over your business. Having an accessible website is the ideal first impression to develop a relationship with your potential guest.

A great online experience not only drives new bookings but also repeat ones. When you give your guests the high-touch service they deserve, they’ll feel compelled to do business with you again, and again and…

Is Your Website Accessible?

Having an accessible website is no longer a “nice to have” option. It’s a business necessity, especially within the travel industry.

Web accessibility boils down to creating an inclusive environment for all your guests. It has several business benefits—but how do you get started?

Accessible websites need to be built, or your existing site remediated, according to specific guidelines by certified technicians. At Access Design Studio, we’re the world’s leading expert in accessible websites for the hospitality industry.

Book a complimentary ADA compliance review today to see how your website stacks up to accessibility standards.

About Denise Páne

Denise Páne is the Founder and CEO of Access Design Studio, the leading expert in ADA compliant, accessible websites for the hospitality industry. A lifelong advocate of people with disabilities (starting with her own Special Olympian brother), Denise boasts over 20 years of hospitality-business design expertise, with a special focus on making websites compelling and inviting for people of all abilities.

Denise is an Accredited Accessibility Expert and a member of the International Association of Accessibility Professionals and the World Wide Web Consortium. Learn more about Denise at AccessDesignStudio.com.

Denise Pane