Visit Sandy Springs, the city’s destination marketing organization, gained recognition as the first destination in Georgia to achieve the “Destination Verified” status with Wheel the World, a global accessibility platform.
This designation highlights the city’s commitment to accessible tourism for travelers with physical, cognitive, and invisible disabilities, according to a news release.
The status recognizes communities that have undergone a third-party accessibility assessment, the release said. Wheel the World spent the past year conducting confidential assessments and evaluations of dozens of businesses, attractions, and hotels in Sandy Springs. People planning visits to Sandy Springs can identify accessible features at hotels, attractions, restaurants, and other businesses in these listings on Wheel the World’s global platform.
“There’s a growing awareness in the travel industry to be more inclusive; it’s no longer a trend but an expectation that destinations provide experiences that welcome all types of travelers,” said Adam Berrios, executive director of Visit Sandy Springs, according to the release.
Participating businesses received accessibility assessments and access to the Wheel the World Academy, which offers training videos on accessibility best practices, dispelling myths, and enhancing understanding around accessibility. The release said these resources enable businesses to meet the needs of travelers of all abilities.
“Sandy Springs has offered incredible adaptive recreational programming for almost a decade thanks to the Recreations and Parks team Program Manager Jane Jarrett and it’s time we told the world that all are welcome here in Sandy Springs,” Berrios said.
Camilo Navarro, co-founder of Wheel the World, said achieving the destination-verified status is a testament to Visit Sandy Springs’ dedication to accessible tourism.
Find out more about Sandy Springs’ accessible travel options and partnership with Wheel the World here. .
