In today’s digital world, the internet isn’t just a place to find information — it’s where people interact with products and services. That’s why digital accessibility — making sure websites and apps are usable for people with various disabilities — is becoming essential for creating inclusive and modern online experiences.

One of the main standards guiding this effort is WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), and it’s something every business owner, including hoteliers, should be aware of and start implementing.

What Is WCAG?

WCAG is a set of guidelines developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to help make web content more accessible. These standards are designed to support people with a wide range of disabilities: from visual, hearing, and motor impairments to cognitive and intellectual challenges.

Websites that meet these standards are considered digitally accessible. That means more people can use them — including those who might be excluded by traditional, non-accessible designs.

Why This Matters for Hotels – And What’s Changing Legally

Starting June 28, 2025, a new European law will require businesses — not just public institutions — to comply with accessibility standards. This law is based on the European Accessibility Act (EAA) and means that companies, including hotels, will have to make their products and services accessible by law.

There will be transition periods for some services and products, but from that date, new websites will need to meet accessibility standards. And by 2030, all existing websites will have to comply as well.

Accessibility Is Also About Opportunity

Over 135 million people in Europe have a disability, that’s more than 27% of the population. Making your site accessible doesn’t just fulfill legal requirements — it helps you reach a huge and growing audience that values and relies on accessible online experiences.

WCAG 2.1 – The Four Key Principles

WCAG 2.1 is based on four core principles:

1. Perceivable – Content must be presented in ways users can perceive. For example: alt text for images, clear content structure, and strong color contrast.
2. Operable – Users should be able to navigate using different input devices like keyboards or assistive tools.
3. Understandable – The website should be easy to read and interact with.
4. Robust – The site must work well across platforms and devices, including assistive technologies.

To meet these principles, websites must be designed so that everyone can use them — regardless of their abilities.

What Are the Levels of Compliance?

WCAG 2.1 includes 13 key guidelines, broken down into success criteria. To reach the recommended AA level(considered the global standard), a site needs to meet 50 specific requirements.

There are three levels:

• A – Basic accessibility
• AA – Recommended level (and the one required by most laws)
• AAA – Highest level, usually for more advanced or specialized sites

How Profitroom Is Preparing

At Profitroom, we’re already working hard to ensure our products meet WCAG standards ahead of the 2025 deadline. As a technology partner for hoteliers, we’re committed to helping our clients stay ahead of the curve and build online spaces that are welcoming to all users.

For clients with older websites created a few years ago, we recommend considering a site update by 2030 to fully meet the upcoming legal requirements. Planning ahead will make the transition smoother and help you avoid future risks.

Why This Is Worth Your Attention

Adapting your website and mobile apps to WCAG isn’t just a legal checkbox — it’s a smart, future-ready investment. It helps you avoid compliance issues, enhances your brand as inclusive and socially responsible, and broadens your reach to more potential guests.

And remember: accessibility doesn’t only benefit people with disabilities, it improves the experience for all users.

The time to prepare is now. By updating your website before the 2025 deadline, you’ll ensure your hotel is ready to welcome every guest, online and off.