SUNRIVER, OREGON — A transformative new event is set to debut at the 2025 TravelAbility Summit this fall: the First Annual TravelAbility Film Festival, a groundbreaking initiative focused entirely on showcasing the power of visual storytelling in accessible tourism. Taking place October 13–15, 2025, at the scenic Sunriver Resort in Central Oregon, this festival will bring together creators, marketers, hospitality leaders, and advocates working to reshape how travel is experienced and shared by people with disabilities.
As global tourism becomes more inclusive, TravelAbility’s innovative film festival seeks to celebrate authentic narratives that highlight accessibility—through marketing videos, short documentaries, and content from influencers with lived experiences. With accessibility now a top priority for many destinations and travel companies, this initiative gives long-overdue recognition to the voices and visuals pushing the industry forward.
Shining a Spotlight on Accessible Travel Content
The TravelAbility Film Festival fills a significant gap in the tourism sector by creating a dedicated platform to honor videos focused on inclusion. While inclusive content has existed across YouTube, social media, and destination marketing channels, it has largely lacked a formal space for curation, recognition, and celebration.
The festival will showcase short-form video submissions (up to five minutes) across three key categories:
- Destination Marketing Organizations
- Hotels, Attractions & Restaurants
- Content Creators & Influencers
Submissions must be in MP4 format, with creators permitted to enter one category only. The winning entries will be screened during the TravelAbility Summit to an audience of tourism leaders, marketers, accessibility experts, and travel influencers.
Elevating Underrepresented Voices in Travel
At its heart, the TravelAbility Film Festival is about representation and equity in travel storytelling. The goal is to highlight content that authentically reflects the travel experiences of people with disabilities, and to showcase how destinations and businesses are adapting their offerings for greater inclusivity.
An esteemed jury composed of filmmakers, inclusive design consultants, accessibility advocates, and disabled travelers will evaluate the entries based on creativity, relevance, and impact. Finalists in each category will be honored, with one entry receiving the Best in Festival Award—the highest accolade for innovation and inclusion in travel media.
Jake Steinman, founder of TravelAbility, noted that “this festival is designed to both recognize and inspire. It’s about shifting the lens—literally and metaphorically—through which the travel industry views accessibility.”
Changing the Narrative in Global Travel
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 1.3 billion people globally live with some form of disability—a demographic historically underrepresented in travel marketing. The TravelAbility Film Festival aims to change that, using video storytelling as a catalyst for widespread industry transformation.
This festival will showcase diverse video stories—from wheelchair-accessible destination guides and sensory-friendly hotel experiences to firsthand travel vlogs from people with disabilities. These visual narratives serve to educate, inspire, and influence policy, helping businesses and travelers alike see accessibility not as an obligation, but as a powerful opportunity for connection.
Oregon’s Sunriver Resort: The Perfect Backdrop for Inclusive Dialogue
Located in the heart of Central Oregon, Sunriver Resort provides an ideal setting for the 2025 TravelAbility Summit and Film Festival. Known for its inclusive outdoor experiences, accessible lodging options, and scenic natural surroundings, Sunriver represents a model for accessible hospitality.
Oregon’s state tourism board, Travel Oregon, has also made strides in promoting inclusive travel through grants and partnerships. With the Pacific Northwest emerging as a hub for responsible and inclusive tourism, hosting the festival here reinforces the commitment to systemic industry change.
How to Participate: Submissions Open Until August 15, 2025
Submissions for the First Annual TravelAbility Film Festival are now officially open. The deadline is August 15, 2025, or until 75 entries are received—whichever comes first. Content creators, brands, and tourism organizations are encouraged to submit impactful, creative videos that tell authentic stories of accessible travel.
Finalists will have their work showcased on a large screen during the festival and benefit from industry-wide recognition and networking opportunities with travel executives, accessibility consultants, and content platforms.
More Than a Festival: A Movement Toward Inclusion
Beyond its awards and accolades, the TravelAbility Film Festival is a vital step toward normalizing accessibility in global travel marketing. By putting inclusive narratives on center stage, it helps drive real conversations and real change—encouraging tourism operators to go beyond ADA compliance and embrace universal design thinking across all touchpoints.
As TravelAbility continues to lead the accessibility movement, this festival is poised to become an annual fixture in the tourism industry calendar, providing a powerful reminder that travel is for everyone—regardless of ability.
Whether you’re a hotelier in Oregon, a travel vlogger in Mumbai, or a tourism board in Barcelona, now is the time to elevate inclusive travel storytelling. Join the festival that’s changing the way the world sees accessible tourism—one story at a time.
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