Accessible Travel Solutions (ATS) is transforming the way people with disabilities experience the world. As the first global accessible tour operator, ATS provides fully accessible travel experiences in 45 countries, ensuring that travelers with mobility challenges can explore destinations with ease and confidence. Founded in 2016 and based in Texas, ATS is the largest provider of accessible shore excursions for major cruise lines, working with Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian Cruise Line, among others. The company also supports travel agents worldwide, equipping them with specialized accessible travel solutions, from private guided tours to fully accessible group itineraries. With over 500 accessible shore excursions in 120 ports worldwide, ATS offers barrier-free travel experiences in some of the world’s most sought-after destinations. Each excursion is designed with accessibility in mind, providing specialized transportation, adapted experiences, and expert support to ensure travelers of all abilities can fully enjoy their journey.
The Accessible Travel Solutions Origin Story
John Sage’s journey into accessible travel was deeply personal. After sustaining a T-4 spinal cord injury in a skiing accident in 2001, he quickly adapted to life using a wheelchair but found planning travel nearly impossible. Information about accessibility was unreliable, vague, or nonexistent, making independent travel frustrating and time-consuming. Determined to change this, John launched Sage Traveling in 2009, an accessible travel company focused on Europe. His firsthand research—traveling to over 140 cities in a wheelchair—helped him build one of the most trusted accessible travel platforms in the world. Seeing a larger gap in the industry, he founded Accessible Travel Solutions (ATS) in 2016, focusing on B2B partnerships with travel agents, cruise lines, and tourism operators. ATS quickly became a global leader, ensuring that travelers with disabilities could experience destinations without limitations. John’s expertise has shaped accessibility standards across the travel industry. He was the primary author of the World Travel & Tourism Council’s “Inclusive and Accessible Travel Guidelines” and has contributed to Rick Steves’ guidebooks with accessibility tips for travelers. He is also the only CEO of an accessible travel company to be a member of the WTTC, advocating for better accessibility regulations worldwide.
How Accessible Travel Solutions Is Making A Positive Impact
ATS is driving systemic change in the travel industry by making accessibility a priority rather than an afterthought. With accessible experiences in 45 countries and over 500 excursions in 120 ports, ATS ensures that travelers with disabilities can fully engage with destinations that were once difficult or impossible to navigate.
Beyond offering accessible travel, ATS is shaping industry standards and pushing for lasting change. The company has worked with the European Network for Accessible Tourism to strengthen accessibility regulations, ensuring that new tourism developments prioritize inclusion. It has also collaborated with 85 accessibility experts to develop ISO 21902, the first global standard guiding tourism businesses in making their services accessible. These efforts are setting a new benchmark for the industry. ATS is also pioneering the use of technology to improve accessibility. In partnership with an AI company, it is developing real-time accessibility data tools that will provide up-to-date, verified information on accommodations, transportation, and attractions. This innovation will eliminate the uncertainty that often prevents travelers with disabilities from exploring new places.
Through Sage Inclusion, ATS provides training and certification programs that help businesses create truly inclusive experiences. From accessibility assessments to staff training and marketing strategies, these programs equip travel providers with the tools to serve travelers with disabilities effectively.
By embedding accessibility into every aspect of tourism, ATS is proving that inclusive travel is not just possible but necessary for the industry’s future.
How You Can Support Accessible Travel Solutions
Accessible Travel Solutions is breaking down barriers in the travel industry, ensuring that travelers with disabilities can explore the world with ease and confidence. By booking a trip, you support a company that prioritizes accessibility, advocates for inclusive tourism, and creates travel experiences that are truly for everyone. You can also help by spreading the word, following them on social media, and encouraging travel providers to prioritize accessibility.
