Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau Engages with Travelability and Wheel the World to Increase Accessibility for Visitors

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – The Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau (CACVB) ) is expanding its efforts to make Charlottesville and Albemarle County more accessible in partnership with accessibility leaders TravelAbility and Wheel the World. The CACVB’s efforts to increase accessibility and drive awareness to those accessibility offerings at visitor-facing businesses in Charlottesville and Albemarle County have led to its recognition as Destination Verified from Wheel the World and as a member of the A11Y Club for
TravelAbility. This summer, Charlottesville and Albemarle County tourism businesses participated in surveys and assessments from national travel organizations with the goal of learning more about appropriate accessibility options and gathering information on their existing offerings, helping them communicate these more effectively.

“One of the CACVB’s major strategic goals is to foster a welcoming community for all visitors to Charlottesville and Albemarle County,” said Courtney Cacatian, Executive Director of the CACVB. “Through bringing programs like TravelAbility and Wheel the World to our tourism partners, we are giving them the tools to enhance accessibility to their venues and communicate their accessibility offerings effectively with visitors, making our region even more enticing for all guests.”

TravelAbility engaged with 9 local Charlottesville and Albemarle County businesses to learn more about their accessibility offerings, finding that most respondents offer accessible entrances, parking and features for blind/low vision guests. The survey results illuminated opportunities for businesses to enhance accessible options for guests with sensory sensitivities and hearing loss, making it a valuable educational tool for local businesses.

“This survey gave us a whole new outlook on how we could be more accessible,” shared Leora Sheridan Vicenti, Director of Marketing & Development and Co-Manager of Montfair Resort Farm in Crozet, Va. “Our buildings were constructed in the 1960s, and as a small business, meeting some ADA compliance standards has felt cost-prohibitive. That said, many guests in wheelchairs still come and enjoy the property—and they find ways to navigate the shortcomings. This survey showed us how we can still be supportive. We already offer free pet stays for service dogs, and we’re looking forward to tackling more from the list.”

Wheel the World, an online travel platform designed to make it possible for travelers with disabilities to explore the world with confidence, ease and joy, worked in partnership with the CACVB to conduct assessments and trainings for local businesses, which resulted in 7 newly awarded becoming “Destination Verified” businesses in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Destination Verified businesses are featured on Wheel the World’s travel portal, making it easy for travelers seeking accessible experiences to find them. Destination Verified businesses will be announced at the CACVB’s Tourism for All conference in February 2026.

For more detailed information on the CACVB’s commitment to accessibility, visit
https://www.visitcharlottesville.org/things-to-do/accessible-travel/

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About the Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau

The Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau (CACVB) welcomes thousands of visitors to the region each year from all over the world who are seeking a variety of unique experiences in history, food, wine, spirits, and adventure. The CACVB serves as the global resource for marketing the tourism assets of the City of Charlottesville and County of Albemarle, and assists tour operators, meeting planners, and other groups in planning visits to the destination. The CACVB’s mission is to enhance the economic prosperity of the people of the City and County by promoting, selling, and marketing the area as a destination, in pursuit of the meetings and tourism markets.