With more than 5.5 million Australians (21.4%) living with disability and 17% of the population aged over 65, the demand for inclusive and accessible travel experiences has never been greater. By ensuring your premises are accessible, you can tap into a rapidly expanding market, attract a broader customer base, boost revenue, and strengthen your contribution to the Visitor Economy. Accessible tourism already generates an estimated $21.5 billion annually – emphasising that inclusion isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s also smart business.
Guided by the priorities of our Inclusive Melbourne Strategy and Experience Melbourne 2028, we are focused on creating a welcoming and accessible city for all.
Additionally, under the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992 External link, your business is legally obliged to ensure ease of access for people of all abilities.
How embracing accessibility will help your business
With more than 5.5 million Australians (21.4%) living with disability and accessible tourism generating $21.5 billion annually, making your business accessible opens the door to a growing customer base and boosts your revenue potential.
Businesses that prioritise accessibility and inclusion gain respect and admiration from both customers and the community. Demonstrating a commitment to these values showcases your brand as socially responsible and forward-thinking, setting you apart in a competitive market.
Accessibility isn’t just about compliance - it’s about creating an experience where everyone feels valued. When customers feel valued, they’re more likely to return, share their positive experience, and become loyal advocates, helping to strengthen your customer base and build lasting relationships.
A commitment to accessibility helps you build a more inclusive workplace, drawing diverse talent and fresh perspectives that fuel innovation and business growth.
Ensure your business meets the standards of the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992, protecting you legally while demonstrating your commitment to creating an environment where everyone can participate.
By embracing accessibility, you play an essential role in building a more equitable society, where everyone, regardless of ability, has equal opportunities to thrive.
Our commitment
Melbourne has long been a gathering place, enriched by its deep Aboriginal culture, knowledge, and heritage. Today, it remains a city where people of all cultures, backgrounds, ages, genders, sexualities, beliefs, and abilities are welcomed, celebrated, and protected.
We provide opportunities to build understanding and awareness between the business and disability communities, including empowerment and development initiatives such as:
- capacity-building and mentoring programs
- accessibility seminars
- access checklists and solution guides
- business-to-business presentations.
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Accessibility checklists and guides
Check if your business is meeting key access requirements with our accessibility checklists and guides.
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Accessible and inclusive Melbourne experiences
From world-class attractions and dining to unforgettable events and stays, this guide helps visitors explore with confidence and ease. It’s also a valuable resource for businesses to share with customers seeking inclusive, accessible ways to experience the best of Melbourne.
