Denver-area gathering highlights Colorado as a national leader in inclusive tourism experiencesDENVER, Friday, September 12, 2025 – The Colorado Tourism Office (CTO), a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), in partnership with Wheel the World, hosted a curated, multi-day destination tour and retreat dedicated entirely to accessible travel. From Sept. 9-12, the immersive program held in Denver brought together more than 20 accessibility advocates, influencers, journalists and Colorado tourism leaders for a series of adaptive outdoor adventures, culinary and cultural experiences and meaningful conversations about accessibility in travel. This is the first such event hosted by Wheel the World and by the State of Colorado.“The Polis-Primavera administration is committed to building a Colorado for All,” said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera. “Colorado is proud to lead the way in making travel inclusive so that everyone, regardless of ability, can experience the beauty, adventure, and culture our state has to offer. This gathering shows what’s possible when we commit to breaking down barriers and ensuring that travel is truly for all.”Set against the backdrop of The Mile High City, the multi-day experience showcased Colorado as a destination setting the national standard for inclusive travel. The itinerary featured adaptive kayaking at Bear Creek Lake Park, an immersive arts experience at Meow Wolf Denver, yoga and sound healing led by Guided by Humanity and an accessible travel and advocacy workshop at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, highlighting the state’s assets and dedication to inclusion.“Colorado is committed to making our state welcoming for all travelers, regardless of physical ability,” said Timothy Wolfe, director of the Colorado Tourism Office. “The conversations and experiences shared during this four-day event demonstrated how accessible travel fosters connection and opportunity. We are proud to build on this foundation as we continue Colorado’s national leadership in accessible travel.”“This gathering was about more than exploring Colorado’s natural beauty and engaging culture,” said Co-Founder and CEO of Wheel the World Alvaro Silberstein. “It was about connection and progress. The Colorado Tourism Office is confidently showing what’s possible when destinations lead with accessibility and prioritize the experiences of travelers with disabilities.”Last week’s event builds on previous work by the Colorado Tourism Office and Wheel the World to promote and expand accessible travel in the state, including the <a href="https://tracking.us.nylas.com/l/6a5429210e08467f9f22ff4e240779d3/1/07eb22644d9d162a7f9497a22c95cd9f9d2bffc1330404135d9c3901af4cbd1f?cache_buster=1757699370" title="https://tracking.us.nylas.com/l/6a5429210e08467f9f22ff4e240779d3/1/07eb22644d9d162a7f9497a22c95cd9f9d2bffc1330404135d9c3901af4cbd1f?cache_buster=1757699370">Accessible Travel Program</a> launched in August 2024. This program, now in its second year, seeks to enhance accessibility in key tourist destinations, ensuring that Colorado continues to be a welcoming place for all travelers.These initiatives come at a pivotal time for the travel industry. Research shows that 87% of travelers with disabilities consider travel an important expression of freedom and quality of life (Open Doors Organization, 2023), yet 76% report that staff training and assumptions about their abilities remain bigger barriers than physical inaccessibility (World Travel &amp; Tourism Council).According to the “AAA State of Play 2025 Report,” Colorado was ranked the best state in the nation for people living with disabilities, underscoring its leadership in inclusivity. Colorado also has a vibrant, exciting and ambitious resident community of entrepreneurs, artists, performers and adventurers with disabilities.By bringing a spotlight to accessible travel, the Colorado Tourism Office and Wheel the World aim to inspire industry change, set new benchmarks for inclusivity and demonstrate that accessible travel is not only possible but essential for the future of tourism.About the Colorado Tourism OfficeThe Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) is a division of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade. The mission of the CTO is to empower the tourism industry by inspiring the world to explore Colorado responsibly and respectfully. The CTO seeks to advance the strength and resilience of the entire industry through collaboration, inclusivity, innovation and leadership. In 2024, Colorado travelers spent $28.5 billion, generating $1.9 billion in local and state revenues. Additionally, the tourism sector supported 188,510 jobs across the state in 2024. For more information, please visit <a href="http://www.colorado.com/" title="http://www.colorado.com/">www.colorado.com</a>.About Wheel the WorldWheel the World is an accessible travel platform that empowers people with disabilities, seniors and their companions to explore the world without limits. Offering places to stay, things to do and multi-day trips in more than 100 destinations worldwide, the company provides detailed accessibility information that allows travelers to plan with confidence and experience the joy of travel. Through its internationally recognized Destination Verified program, Wheel the World partners with destinations and businesses to ensure reliable accessibility standards and create more inclusive experiences for all. For more information, visit <a href="http://wheeltheworld.com" title="http://wheeltheworld.com">WheeltheWorld.com</a>.###