PGAV Destinations recently released Voice of the Visitor 2022 in its entirety, conducted annually in partnership with H2R Market Research. The report revealed not only does the attraction industry need to take strides to rectify systemic racism, but to also provide for those better with cognitive disabilities. The report uses the term neurodivergence, a concept that certain developmental disorders are normal variations in the brain. The term neurodiversity takes a wider view of “normal” and includes people on the autism spectrum, and people with ADHD and learning disabilities such as Auditory/Visual Processing Disorder and dyslexia.

Nearly one in three Voice of the Visitor 2022 respondents indicated that they visited an attraction over the past five years with a neurodivergent companion. Among those visitors, 70% noted that the needs of those persons influenced their decisions at the attraction. These respondents also indicated that the most important needs they were looking for from attractions included ample information for planning purposed (42%), trained and accommodating employees (41%), sensory rooms or quiet areas (39%) and menus and signs that included photos and/or graphics (39%). These insights support the need for the attractions industry to come together and ensure that every visitor can fully enjoy every experience offered.

Voice of the Visitor, a partnership between PGAV Destinations and H2R Market Research, is the most comprehensive U.S. report on guests’ collective opinions, attitudes and expectations—directly generated from guest feedback. Read the full report here.

A recent study from IBCCES found that only 13% of autism families take family vacations. Bankrate recently released a guide to traveling with ASD, which can be viewed here. The insights in the guide may be helpful for attractions working to be more inclusive.

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