Mesa, Arizona has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the world’s first city to be awarded the Destination Verified Seal from Wheel the World, a leading online booking platform catering to travelers with disabilities. This recognition is part of the Destinations Verified Program, where Wheel the World deploys trained Mappers to assess destinations. These evaluators collect accessibility information using Wheel the World’s Accessibility Mapping System, which compiles over 200 data points related to accessibility. Subsequently, the organization offers recommendations to travel service providers for enhancing their infrastructure and access to their e-learning platform to improve knowledge about disabilities and accessibility.
Co-Founder and COO of Wheel the World, Camilo Navarro, expressed his delight by stating, “We are delighted to announce Mesa, Arizona as the very first destination to achieve the coveted Destination Verified Seal. This milestone not only demonstrates Mesa’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity but also marks a significant step forward in our collective mission to make travel accessible to all. Through our Destinations Verified Seal, we’re not just verifying destinations’ local partners; we’re verifying experiences that prioritize accessibility by assessing, promoting them, and providing access to unlimited e-trainings, thereby empowering travelers and local communities alike. This partnership with Visit Mesa is a testament to the power of collaboration and our dedication to ensuring that everyone can explore the world with confidence and ease.”
Visit Mesa, committed to making Mesa one of the nation’s most inclusive and accessible travel destinations, collaborated with Wheel the World to offer travelers advanced information on accessible experiences in Mesa and connect them with tailored itineraries based on their specific needs. By providing reliable accessibility information in advance, the initiative aims to enhance the travel experience for those visiting Mesa. This free service is accessible to all visitors through AccessibleMesa.com and WheeltheWorld.com.
Alison Brooks, Vice President of Destination Experience and Advocacy at Visit Mesa, emphasized their commitment to empowering travelers of all abilities, stating, “Our goal at Visit Mesa is to empower travelers of all abilities to confidently plan their trips to our destination. For Mesa to achieve the Destination Verified Seal shows that we are dedicated to promoting inclusive travel and showcasing practices that embrace accessibility. Partnering with Wheel the World has provided us with education, resources, and guidance that will ultimately help us with our mission toward becoming one of the most accessible destinations in the country. We look forward to adding more Mesa businesses to the Wheel the World marketplace, thus providing more options for visitors of all abilities.”
This achievement builds upon Visit Mesa’s ongoing accessibility initiatives. The city was designated as the first-ever Autism Certified City through efforts and training with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). Visit Mesa also played a pivotal role in establishing the Mesa Regional Foundation for Accessibility, Diversity & Inclusion to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion for youth and adults in the Mesa community. Additionally, Visit Mesa supports several programs, including Aira (a guided visual interpretation service), the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, and Threshold 360 virtual tours.
(With inputs from Breaking Travel News)
