Closing the Accessibility Gap in Travel Beyond Infrastructure

While the ADA has fundamentally reshaped physical infrastructure—from hotel doors to public transport—the logistical challenge of securing personal mobility gear remains a significant barrier. Travelers often face the dilemma of traveling without necessary equipment like power chairs, oxygen concentrators, or shower chairs, or dealing with the burden of transporting heavy medical devices. Cloud of Goods, which operates in hundreds of cities globally, argues that true destination readiness requires travel advisors and hospitality partners to anticipate these needs before a guest reaches the front desk or cruise port.

Founder and CEO Punsri Abeywickrema notes that the company aims to provide the "missing layer" of accessibility by ensuring equipment is delivered directly to hotels, cruise ports, and vacation rentals. For the travel industry, this shift requires a more proactive approach to guest services. Rather than reacting to a crisis upon arrival, the company encourages hotels and event organizers to integrate gear planning into the pre-trip checklist. By asking simple questions about walking requirements and medical support early, travel professionals can ensure that events, theme parks, and museums remain accessible to all guests regardless of their mobility needs.