Booking.com’s latest research highlights the challenges neurodivergent travellers face and the opportunity for the industry to work together to create a more seamless and accessible experience.
According to Neurodiversity Celebration Week, an estimated 15-20% of the global population has a neurological difference. While 79% of neurodivergent Indian travellers feel the available support meets their needs, Booking.com’s research shows that more than half (68%) still experience difficulties while travelling, emphasizing the need for better support, clearer communication, and greater understanding.
Inclusive by Design
Booking.com’s research highlights key solutions that neurodivergent travellers are seeking to make their journeys more accessible, comfortable, and less stressful:
- Pre-travel preparation: A significant 74% of neurodivergent travellers seek ‘travel rehearsals’—controlled experiences that help them navigate trip scenarios in advance. This could encourage airlines to introduce check-in, onboarding, and flight familiarisation experiences, while attractions could provide details on high-intensity elements like strobe lighting before guests arrive.
- Sensory-friendly spaces: More than 77% want access to sensory rooms to decompress, while 74% seek designated quiet spaces during travel. Additionally, 75% of neurodivergent Indian travellers wish for ‘block out noise’ options to reduce auditory overload. Could hotels introduce noise-canceling headphones or white noise machines alongside standard amenities?
- More inclusive design: 76% call for more accessible and inclusive accommodations, such as providing floor plans in advance, or offering contact-free check-in, while 75% would like aircraft cabins designed with greater consideration for physical comfort and personal space.
Enhancing Industry Capabilities
While infrastructure is changing to better physically support travellers, 77% of Indian neurodivergent travellers advocate for industry-wide training programs to equip travel professionals to better support their needs, especially as it relates to venturing somewhere unknown.
Potential for AI Navigation
Technology and AI hold immense potential to create a more inclusive travel experience for neurodivergent individuals. Nearly 79% are interested in AI-powered tools for real-time updates, helping them manage delays and itinerary changes with less stress. The same percentage see AI-driven solutions as a way to navigate busy airports and hotels, identifying quieter spaces for sensory relief. With technology, personalised travel experiences can be offered at scale.
Santosh Kumar’s Vision for the Future
Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Indonesia at Booking.com said, “Every traveller’s experience is unique, and our findings reveal numerous opportunities to better understand the challenges neurodivergent travellers face. At Booking.com, we believe that travel should be a positive experience for everyone. While hotels and airports are working towards adapting to neurodivergent needs, by sharing these insights, we hope to inspire industry-wide collaboration, creativity, and innovation, ultimately building a travel environment that’s more inclusive and welcoming for all.”
