As the City of Lights kicks off the 2024 Paralympic Games , basking in the glow of the Olympics ’ triumphant success, Paris is brimming with anticipation and excitement once more. This sporting event not only showcases Disabled competitors’ athletic prowess but also highlights the importance of improving inclusivity and accessibility beyond the games. To help meet the needs of the number of athletes and spectators with disabilities descending on the French capital, Airbnb has been busy as a worldwide partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“The 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games represent the largest hosting event in Airbnb’s history,” says Suzanne Edwards, accessibility standards lead at Airbnb. “We knew there would be a significant demand from guests with accessibility needs, unsurprisingly, since Paris has been the city with the highest demand for accessibility features on Airbnb this year.” With a longstanding commitment to making travel more accessible, Airbnb saw the Games as an opportunity to enhance the platform’s offerings.
“We aimed to support the goals of the International Olympic Committee, the International Paralympic Committee, and the Paris 2024 Organising Committee by adding more listings with accessibility features,” Suzanne explains. But Paris, with its historic charm and ancient architecture, presents unique challenges in terms of accessibility. “Like many European destinations, many of the city’s older buildings, homes and public spaces weren’t initially designed with accessibility in mind,” Suzanne points out.
“Identifying and confirming these features required a lot of one-on-one support with hosts.” Airbnb’s efforts have been robust. Over the past year, a dedicated cross-functional team worked diligently to increase the number of listings with accessibility features in the Paris region.
The results are impressive: more than 1,000 listings now offer step-free access to the entrance, as well as at least one bedroom and one bathroom. About 300 of those listings are now in the Adapted Category , which means they also have at least one accessibility feature in the bathroom such as a shower bench or grab bar. Suzanne’s personal experiences as a wheelchair user have been instrumental in shaping Airbnb’s approach.
“I’ve had numerous frustrating experiences staying in hotels, even when I’ve booked an accessible room in advance,” she shares. “Working on this project has been incredibly rewarding. Each time I’ve visited Paris since we started this initiative, I’ve stayed in an Airbnb with all the accessibility information I needed in advance.
” Ensuring comprehensive, inclusive, and sustainable solutions required extensive collaboration across various sectors. “Working with local councils, government agencies, and the IPC was crucial,” Suzanne notes. “Paris 2024 acted as a catalyst, prioritising inclusivity and accessibility.
The collaboration was extensive but incredibly rewarding.” To support hosts in making their properties more accessible, Airbnb launched several initiatives. They partnered with France’s leading disability organisation, APF France Handicap, and two para-athletes, Axel Alletru and Sofyane Mehiaoui.
As first-time hosts themselves, they opened their homes to guests with accessibility needs on Airbnb for free during the Olympics and Paralympics, helping to promote hosting and offer incredible experiences for guests. “We also provided free end-to-end support to hosts,” Suzanne elaborates. “This included offering free 3D scans of their listings by Matterport to identify and confirm all existing accessibility features.
” These scans also produced 2D-floor plans, which hosts added to their listing pages, providing guests with a better understanding of the home’s layout. Airbnb’s work in Paris serves as a blueprint for future efforts in other cities. “Feedback from guests and hosts will continue to inform our efforts,” Suzanne states.
“Collaborating with local organisations serving the disability community is key. Education and guidance help potential and existing hosts tap into the growing demand for accessible travel accommodations.” In the United States, Airbnb recently partnered with the United Spinal Association to hold an Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy.
“Hosting is an economic empowerment opportunity for members of the disability community,” Suzanne explains. “Many of these individuals have homes adapted for accessibility, which can help expand accommodation options for travellers with accessibility needs.” As the Games develop, Airbnb is committed to ensuring that the positive impact of their accessibility efforts continues well into the future.
“We’re making it easier for guests with accessibility needs to visit the Paris region for the Games and beyond,” Suzanne emphasises. “When planning a trip to Paris, guests now have more accommodations to choose from, including listings close to major competition sites and transport hubs.” Suzanne’s hope is that this work will encourage more people with disabilities to visit Paris and enjoy everything the city has to offer.
“As a wheelchair user, I know how challenging it can be to find accessible accommodation. We know there is more to be done, and we’re committed to continuing this work to ensure that the legacy of the Paralympics is a lasting one.” Visit Airbnb’s dedicated Paris 2024 home page where listings are still available to book for the Paralympics.
Guests can find and book listings by using the set of 13 accessibility search filters or browsing the Adapted Category ..
