Booking.com Research Highlights the More Inclusive Must Haves for Neurodivergent Travelers

AMSTERDAM  - Building on its mission to make travel easier for everyone, Booking.com’s latest research* highlights the challenges neurodivergent travelers face and the opportunity for the industry to work together to create a more seamless and accessible experience.

According to Neurodiversity Celebration Week, an estimated 15-20% of the global population has a neurological difference. Despite growing societal awareness of neurodivergence, Booking.com research found nearly half (49%) of neurodivergent travelers report experiencing difficulties while traveling. While some aspects of travel accessibility are improving, only 51% feel the available support meets their needs.

Travel should be an experience that excites, not overwhelms. Yet the latest research from Booking.com shows nearly half of neurodivergent travelers have faced negative experiences on their journeys, simply because the industry isn’t built with them in mind. The demand for sensory rooms, quiet spaces, noise-blocking options, and inclusive design isn’t just a wish list—it’s a necessity. Neurodivergent travelers are asking for better support, clearer communication, and greater understanding. Aidy Smith, TV Presenter, LGBTQ+ Travel Expert and Neurodivergence Awareness Spokesperson

As someone with Tourette Syndrome who travels the world for a living, I’ve had my fair share of challenging experiences. From angry and irritable looks from passengers when I tic, to being refused special assistance at airports during anxiety attacks because airport personnel don’t think I look like someone who has a disability. As more open conversations are being had around neurodivergence, I’m incredibly proud to be working with Booking.com to highlight these key findings and in doing so, give the industry a chance to catch up. True inclusivity means ensuring that everyone, regardless of how their brain is wired, can explore the world with confidence and ease. It’s time to make that a reality.

Inclusive by design

Booking.com’s research highlights key solutions that neurodivergent travelers are seeking to make their journeys more accessible, comfortable, and less stressful.

• Pre-travel preparation: Nearly two-thirds (64%) express a strong desire for ‘travel rehearsals’ - controlled experiences that allow them to navigate trip scenarios in advance. This could lead to more airlines introducing check-in, onboarding and flight familiarization experiences for travelers to practice their journey in advance or attractions sharing details of high-intensity parts of their experience, such as strobe lighting, before guests arrive.
• Sensory-friendly spaces: Three-quarters (76%) would like to see more designated quiet spaces during travel, while 68% would like access to sensory rooms where they can decompress and regulate their surroundings. Additionally, 74% of neurodivergent travelers want hotels and airlines to provide ‘block out noise’ options to reduce auditory overload. Could hotels start offering noise-canceling headphones or white noise machines alongside standard amenities like hairdryers and toiletries?
• More inclusive design: 69% would like aircraft cabins designed with greater consideration for physical comfort and personal space, and the same percentage (69%) call for more accessible and inclusive accommodations, for example, providing floor plans in advance, or offering contact-free check-in.

Enhancing staff capabilities

While infrastructure is changing to better physically support travelers, 71% of neurodivergent travelers advocate for industry-wide training programs to equip travel professionals to better support their needs, especially as it relates to venturing somewhere unknown.

For instance, a sunflower lanyard serves as a discreet signal that the wearer has a non-visible disability. While it doesn’t specify the type of support needed, it indicates they may require extra assistance. This initiative is now recognized in over 300 airports, across more than 30 countries, and by 18 airlines worldwide.

Potential for AI navigation

There’s excitement about the potential for technology and artificial intelligence to provide solutions for a more inclusive experience and to help neurodivergent people travel the world more confidently. Two-thirds (66%) are interested in AI-powered tools that give real-time travel updates, helping them navigate delays and itinerary changes with less stress. While 66% see the potential for AI-driven solutions to guide them through busy airports and hotels, identifying quieter spaces where they can find respite from sensory overload. Through technology there is opportunity to provide personalized experiences at a large scale.

Everyone experiences the world differently and these insights demonstrate just how many opportunities there are to better understand the barriers neurodivergent travelers face. By shining an additional light on the lived experience behind the data, we hope to inspire further collaboration, creativity and innovation on this topic across the industry. Matthias Schmid, SVP Accommodations and Executive Sponsor of B.able, Booking.com’s employee resource group representing colleagues with diverse physical and neurological needs and their allies.

*This research was fielded as part of Booking.com’s Travel Predictions 2025 research. It was commissioned by Booking.com and conducted among a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or leisure in the next 12-24 months. In total, 27,713 respondents across 33 countries and territories were polled. Of those surveyed, 5,601 (20.2%) identified themselves as neurodivergent, (including 163 from Argentina, 199 from Australia, 84 from Austria, 200 from Belgium, 170 from Brazil, 206 from Canada, 148 from Colombia, 71 from Croatia, 144 from Denmark, 142 from France, 201 from Germany, 152 from Hong Kong, 278 from India, 134 from Ireland, 142 from Israel, 123 from Italy, 106 from Japan, 214 from Mexico, 224 from The Netherlands, 245 from New Zealand, 81 from Portugal, 56 from Singapore, 193 from South Korea, 175 from Spain, 141 from Sweden, 103 from Switzerland, 127 from Taiwan, 267 from Thailand, 117 from UAE, 164 from the UK, 246 from the US and 304 from Vietnam). Respondents completed an online survey in July-August 2024.