Global Accessibility Index 2025: Transforming Urban Travel Through Inclusion

As the summer travel season nears, the spotlight turns once again to a critical aspect of modern urban life: accessibility. With millions of people—including individuals with disabilities—getting ready for holidays, festivals, and outdoor adventures, the ability to move freely and comfortably in a city has become not just a benefit, but a necessity. In this context, the Global Accessibility Index 2025, built upon the foundation of the IMD Smart City Index, offers a timely look into which cities are leading the charge in creating environments that are truly inclusive.

This newly released index evaluates 25 smart cities across the world, assessing how well they support residents and visitors with mobility needs. Each city was measured based on key accessibility factors, including:

• Government assistance for home adaptations
• Total number of accessible metro or tube stations
• Proportion of tourist attractions adapted for accessibility
• Number of inclusive accommodations
• Availability of apps that support navigation for people with disabilities

The findings shine a light on how far some urban centers have come—and how far others still need to go.

Leading the Way: The Top 5 Most Accessible Cities

Shanghai, China

At the top of the list is Shanghai, achieving an impressive score of 84.86 out of 100. The city’s commitment to accessibility is evident through its fully adapted metro network, where every station is equipped to accommodate travelers with disabilities. Of its more than 1,000 tourist attractions, 733—approximately 73%—are accessible. Furthermore, 14 out of 57 hotels and properties in the city cater to guests with accessibility needs. This comprehensive approach makes Shanghai not only technologically advanced but also welcoming and barrier-free for all visitors.

Singapore

Not far behind is Singapore, securing second place with a score of 81.50. In addition to a fully accessible 185-station metro system, Singapore supports residents in modifying their homes to meet accessibility standards. Visitors have a broad range of options, with 217 accessible attractions out of 796, and 97 inclusive accommodations out of 321. To top it off, travelers can make use of the Citymapper app, a helpful tool for navigating the city with ease.

Wellington, New Zealand

In third place, Wellington boasts a score of 79.12. Known for its coastal beauty and laid-back charm, the city also offers a robust accessibility infrastructure. All 49 train stations in the city are adapted for people with disabilities. Additionally, 35 out of 132 hotels and apartments offer inclusive features, and 38 tourist attractions have been made accessible—making Wellington a top pick for travelers seeking both natural beauty and ease of movement.

Munich, Germany

Ranked fourth with a score of 78.92, Munich stands out for its mix of historical charm and modern accessibility. The city has ensured that all 100 metro stations are adapted. 75 out of 359 hotels cater to those with mobility issues, and 42% of tourist attractions (317 out of 747) are accessible. This makes Munich a strong choice for anyone looking to explore Gothic architecture and European culture without encountering mobility barriers.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Rounding out the top five is Amsterdam, with a score of 76.51. The Dutch capital has made notable strides in accessibility, including adapting all 86 metro stations. Among the city’s 1,000 tourist attractions, 533 (53%) are accessible, reflecting a solid dedication to inclusive tourism. For navigation, the Ongehinderd app offers real-time accessibility data, helping travelers plan their journeys smoothly.

Global Patterns and Regional Highlights

The geographical distribution of the rankings offers some interesting insights:

• China is prominently featured, with Shanghai, Beijing, and Hong Kong all appearing in the top 10.
• Europe dominates the list, with Prague, Stockholm, and Munich joining others in representing half of the top 25 cities.
• Australia is present through Wellington and Canberra, highlighting its efforts in accessibility.
• While Dubai and Abu Dhabi are recognized, they fall into the lower half of the list, suggesting more work is needed despite their advanced urban designs.

What This Means for Global Travelers

The shift toward inclusive design is poised to reshape the global tourism landscape. As accessibility becomes a deciding factor in travel planning, destinations that prioritize it are likely to attract a more diverse and loyal visitor base. This trend is expected to:

• Inspire urban planners to incorporate accessibility into future developments
• Motivate hotels and attractions to retrofit facilities
• Increase demand for navigation apps that cater to special mobility needs
• Boost the growth of inclusive tourism as a profitable and socially impactful sector

For travelers with disabilities, this means a future where they can explore the world with greater confidence, comfort, and dignity.

How the Index Was Built

The accessibility rankings are rooted in the 2025 Smart City Index, using data drawn from several trusted sources. These include:

• Official government websites for details on home adaptation support and public transport accessibility
• Tripadvisor for insights on tourist attraction accessibility
• Booking.com for data on adapted accommodations

Each metric was standardized to allow for fair comparisons, ensuring an objective and comprehensive assessment.

Looking Forward: The Push for Inclusive Urban Growth

The release of this index is more than just a compilation of statistics—it’s a wake-up call for cities across the globe. It urges them to view accessibility not as an afterthought, but as a central pillar of urban innovation. This aligns strongly with UN goals focused on inclusive and sustainable cities.

Ultimately, the Global Accessibility Index challenges city developers to redefine what it means to be “smart.” A truly intelligent city isn’t just connected through technology—it’s one that ensures every person, regardless of ability, can live, work, and explore without limits.