Sonoma County Tourism advances accessible travel options
Sonoma County Tourism (SCT) today announced a region-wide commitment to accessibility and inclusive hospitality.
Its aim is to further Sonoma County as a welcoming, navigable, and usable destination for people of all abilities.
This is part of SCT’s broader Wine Country for All of Us initiative including a new accessibility landing page on sonomacounty.com.
It comprises clearer planning tools for travelers, and a growing network of partners committed to reliable accessibility information.
SCT has partnered with Wheel the World to formally verify accessibility features across the destination.
In the initial phase, Sonoma County has been designated “Destination Verified” by the accessible travel platform, with 72 lodging, attraction, and experience partners verified to date.
It gives travelers trusted, detailed insights to help them plan with confidence.
“Accessibility isn’t a box to check; it affects nearly everyone at some point,” said Claudia Vecchio, President and CEO of Sonoma County Tourism.
“People travel with diverse needs and at different stages of life. This work is about meeting people where they are and making it easier for them to fully experience Sonoma County.”
Wheel the World’s verification process uses consistent criteria to document layouts, features, and experiences. The result is clearer expectations and fewer unknowns for travelers, it says.
“Knowing what to expect can change everything,” said Sofia Bravo, Head of Customer Success at Wheel the World.
“By investing in verified accessibility, Sonoma County helps travelers feel informed, confident, and welcome before they even arrive.”
The initiative meets a wide range of needs, including travelers with mobility challenges, sensory sensitivities, visual or hearing impairments, cognitive differences, chronic conditions, temporary injuries, and those traveling with children or aging family members.
As multigenerational travel continues to grow, accessibility is increasingly important for bringing people together.
Local partners say the process has been both practical and eye-opening.
“I am so proud to be part of this initiative, which reflects what Sonoma County does best — care for people and care for place,” said Aphrodite Caserta, Director of Marketing and Communications for Safari West.
Sonoma County Tourism this week celebrated with a Partner Recognition Ceremony in Santa Rosa, recognizing the 72 partners designated as Accessibility Verified.
The gathering comprised a brief presentation and a toast to honor the commitment.
Looking ahead, SCT plans to expand its network of verified partners and continue supporting businesses through education and shared best practices.
The organization has also licensed the Seven Secrets of Inclusive Hospitality, a values-based framework to be shared with partners in upcoming training sessions.
Related News Stories: Sonoma County to shine during holiday events - TravelMole New Tampa cruise port plan unveiled - TravelMole
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025
U.S.A. and Israel attacks on Iran impact air movements in the Gulf (Update 1.00pm CET)