Laredo has been recognized as the first city in Texas to complete the tourism accessibility certification program of Wheel the World, a global platform dedicated to promoting inclusive tourism for people with disabilities. This certification involves not only official recognition, but also the implementation of practical tools that allow travelers with different abilities to plan their visit with greater safety and autonomy.
As part of this process, ten key spaces in the city were mapped and verified, including two hotels and eight sites of cultural and tourist interest, among them museums, historic centers and public spaces. This information is now available on Wheel the World’s platform, where users can consult specific details about ramps, access, adapted restrooms, parking lots and other conditions that facilitate mobility.
The certification also includes the city’s participation in the WTW Academy, an online training program aimed at tourism and hospitality professionals. Through this training, staff at hotels, restaurants, museums and local attractions gain knowledge in accessibility, disability customer service and inclusive practices. The goal is to create more welcoming environments for all visitors, regardless of their physical abilities.
This effort is part of a broader strategy by Visit Laredo, the local tourism promotion office, which seeks to position the city as an inclusive destination regionally and nationally. The next stages of the project include the strengthening of digital campaigns, collaborations with content creators with disabilities, as well as the active promotion of Laredo within the ecosystem of accessible destinations certified by Wheel the World.
The alliance between Laredo and Wheel the World not only benefits travelers with disabilities, but also represents a step towards a more modern, empathetic and competitive tourism infrastructure. According to accessible tourism specialists, initiatives like this not only improve the experience for people with limited mobility, but also benefit seniors, families with strollers and people with temporary injuries.
Interested visitors can now check out the certified sites and plan their trip through Wheel the World’s official website dedicated to Laredo.
