A visit to Manitoba means travelling through Treaty 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Territories and through communities who are signatories to Treaties 6 and 10. Manitoba is located on the ancestral land of the Anishinaabeg, Anishininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Denesuline and Nehethowuk Nations and is the Homeland of the Red River Métis. Northern Manitoba includes lands that were and are the ancestral lands of the Inuit.
Travel Manitoba respects the spirit and intent of Treaties and Treaty Making and remains committed to working in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis people in the spirit of truth, reconciliation and collaboration.
About Travel Manitoba
Travel Manitoba is a Crown Corporation under provincial legislation that leads and stimulates sustainable tourism growth in Manitoba’s $1.89 billion tourism industry. In partnership with the tourism industry, the agency is responsible for tourism marketing, visitor information services, research and public information.
VISION
Manitoba is a must-visit four season destination generating significant and sustainable economic growth by delivering inspiring and authentic experiences in its unique urban, rural and wild settings.
MISSION
Travel Manitoba will stimulate tourism’s long-term growth and contribution to the provincial economy by leading the marketing of Manitoba as a tourism destination and by fostering a competitive and sustainable tourism industry.
VALUES
• We proudly celebrate the people and lands of Manitoba.
• We foster the development of our people and our industry.
• We lead with creativity and are backed by data.
• We value inclusivity and sustainability.
• We live our brand. Manitoba is at the heart of what we do.
INDUSTRY TARGETS
• Increase visitor spending by 50% from $1.6 billion in 2019 to $2.5 billion in 2030.
• Increase visitation by 21% from 10.6 million visitors in 2019 to 12.8 million visitors in 2030.
Purpose of Accessibility Plan
This Accessibility Plan will:
• Summarize the actions taken by Travel Manitoba to identify, remove and prevent barriers for persons with disabilities.
• Describe current and planned measures to ensure ongoing compliance with accessibility legislation.
• Describe planned “beyond compliance” measures to achieve greater accessibility and inclusion for Travel Manitoba employees, visitors and industry partners.
• Describe how the plan will be communicated internally and externally.
Statement of Commitment to Accessibility
Travel Manitoba is committed to providing a safe, dignified and welcoming environment for everyone. We make every effort to provide accessible and inclusive goods and services, information, employment opportunities and facilities, wherever possible. Travel Manitoba is committed to meeting the requirements of The Accessibility for Manitobans Act (AMA) and applicable accessibility and human rights legislation. We strive to ensure equal access and participation for all.
Accessibility Achievements 2023–2025
POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND PLAN
• Shared the Travel Manitoba Statement of Commitment to Accessibility with staff and published on Travel Manitoba’s website.
• Ensured emergency plans are in place and available in accessible formats for employees and members of the public,
• Reviewed existing policies and procedures with an accessibility, diversity and inclusion lens.
• Prepared annually accessibility plan status updated following the review of the multi-year accessibility plan.
• Established an internal Accessibility Working Group to guide accessibility initiatives.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
• Created an accessible travel consumer webpage that promotes accessible tourism accommodations and experiences available throughout the province.
• Included an active offer to accommodate accessibility requests in invitations to Travel Manitoba events.
• Provided Travel Manitoba travel counsellors with information on accessible tourism options throughout Manitoba.
• Developed an internal online folder with accessibility resources to help employees support accessibility and inclusion.
• Featured a dedicated accessible attractions page in Travel Manitoba’s Inspiration Guide, showcasing the accessibility features of Manitoba attractions and mobility-friendly campground throughout the province.
• Published a Manitoba Parks guest post on the #exploreMB blog promoting accessibility features within Manitoba’s provincial parks.
• Shared information about the Manitoba Accessibility Fund with tourism operators through the Tourism Industry daily newsletter, Travel Currents industry e-newsletter and LinkedIn.
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION
• Provided resources to content creators on creating information in accessible formats with accessible content, appropriate terminology, and authentic and representative images of the diverse accessibility community.
• Invested in AudioEye a digital accessibility solution platform that helps to improve website accessibility and ensures Travel Manitoba maintains compliance with WCAG standards.
• Included an active offer stating that print and online materials are available in alternative formats upon request.
• Included an active offer for accessibility accommodations in the Tourism Award nomination process.
• Tourism Awards feature a Social Impact category that recognizes efforts in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, including accessibility initiatives that showcase tourism’s potential as a force for positive change.
EMPLOYMENT
• All employees completed the required training on the AMA and associated regulations through the Manitoba Accessibility Office online learning portal.
• Updated employee onboarding materials and policies to make sure information is presented in plain language and in alternate formats.
• Communicated Travel Manitoba’s commitment to workplace accommodations for employees with temporary or permanent disabilities and included in all job postings that accommodations are available throughout the selection process and accepted application in multiple formats (mail, email and in person).
BUILT ENVIRONMENT
• Installed an automatic garage door opener in the receiving area at Travel Manitoba’s main office, improving accessibility and ease of access for staff.
• Incorporated best practices in accessibility and universal design into the recent renovation of Travel Manitoba’s main office, ensuring full compliance with applicable building codes and by-laws.
2026–2027
Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
Planned initiatives and actions 2026 and 2027
ACCESSIBILITY PLAN AND POLICIES
• Continue to document the measures, policies and practices implemented to meet the requirements of the AMA and related Accessibility Standards.
• Continue to apply an accessibility, diversity and inclusion lens when creating new or reviewing existing policies and procedures.
• Strengthen procurement procedures to included AMA standard requirements for relevant contracts.
• Prepare annual accessibility status updates following review of the multiyear accessibility plan.
Expected Outcomes
• Strengthened organizational alignment with the AMA by maintaining clear, up-to-date documentation of all measures, policies and practices.
• Improved accessibility, diversity and inclusion across internal operations through the regular integration of an accessibility lens into policy development and review.
• Enhanced transparency and accountability by producing annual accessibility status updates that track progress and inform future planning.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
• Update content on the accessible travel section of travelmanitoba.com.
• Continue to include information on accessible travel and tourism experiences in Travel Manitoba’s Inspiration Guide.
• Continue to share information about the Manitoba Accessibility Fund with tourism operators through our Tourism Industry Daily newsletter and our monthly industry e-newsletter Travel Currents and on LinkedIn.
• Develop and publish accessibility resources on Travel Manitoba’s industry website, providing guidance for tourism operators on enhancing accessibility.
2027–2027 Multi-year Accessibility Plan continued
• Formalize procedures to ensure that notices for Travel Manitoba events are provided in accessible formats and include an active offer of accommodations to enable people with disabilities to participate.
• Partner with more accessibility influencers to promote accessible travel experiences in Manitoba.
• Feature images of people from diverse disability communities in all marketing, not only in accessible travel promotions.
Expected Outcomes
• Visitors have better access to clear information about accessibility offering in the tourism sector in Manitoba.
• Accessible experiences receive more exposure in Travel Manitoba publications.
• More tourism operators learn about the Manitoba Accessibility Fund and how it can support their businesses.
• Tourism operators have straightforward resources and guidance to improve accessibility in the businesses.
• Public events hosted by Travel Manitoba are accessible.
TRAINING
Ongoing Initiatives
• Provide updated refresher training on Emergency and Safety procedures for employees.
• Continue to provide resources to ensure Travel Manitoba marketing and communications staff can create accessible and inclusive materials and designs.
• Regularly review and update Travel Manitoba’s internal accessibility resource folder to keep materials current and ensure they remain practical and useful for staff.
• Provide staff opportunities to participate in accessibility training, including role-specific training designed to enhance Travel Manitoba’s accessibility compliance and services.
2027–2027
Expected Outcomes
• Staff maintain up-to-date knowledge of emergency and safety procedures, supporting a safe and accessible workplace for all.
• Marketing and communications staff are equipped to produce accessible content, ensuring Travel Manitoba’s information and communications meet accessibility standards.
• Staff have reliable, practical access to current accessibility resources, enabling them to apply accessibility best practices in their daily work.
• Staff stay informed and up to date on accessibility requirements, improving compliance and awareness.
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION
Ongoing Initiatives
• Continue to develop all new website content to comply with Web Content Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.1 Level AA.
• Continue to ensure that Travel Manitoba websites, software and apps are compatible with common personal assistive technology such as screen readers and other software aids through tools like AudioEye.
• Continue to include the offer of alternate formats on publications, documents and websites.
Expected Outcomes
• All new website content meets WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards, improving accessibility for all users.
• Travel Manitoba’s digital platforms remain compatible with common assistive technologies, supporting users with disabilities.
• Visitors and users can easily access alternate formats of publications, documents, and online content, enhancing inclusion and usability.
2027–2027
EMPLOYMENT
• Continue to review and respond to employee accessibility and accommodation requests regularly, including during annual performance reviews.
• Ensure all employee onboarding materials are written in plain language and available in accessible formats.
• Continue to include an active offer of accessibility accommodations in all job postings and throughout the hiring process.
Expected Outcomes
• Employees receive timely support for accessibility needs, fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace.
• Onboarding materials are clear and accessible, helping all employees understand policies and procedures.
• Job candidates know that accessibility accommodations are available, promoting fair and inclusive hiring practices.
BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Ongoing Initiatives
• Continue to integrate barrier-free, universal design principles when upgrading Travel Manitoba’s offices and Visitor Information Centres.
• Conduct an accessibility audit of the Travel Manitoba office and Visitor Information Centres to inform future updates and renovations.
Expected Outcomes
• Travel Manitoba facilities are safe, accessible, and welcoming for all employees and visitors.
• Gaps in accessibility are identified, enabling improvements to meet or exceed accessibility standards.
Feedback
The Travel Manitoba Accessibility Policy, Accessibility Plan, Accessibility Feedback Form, and supporting information are available online at travelmanitoba.com/accessibility.
For any feedback or questions about the Travel Manitoba’s Accessibility Plan or Accessibility Policy, or to request these or other documents in alternate formats:
Email: accessibility@travelmanitoba.ca
Telephone: 204-927-7800
Toll-free: 1-800-665-0040
Mail or visit: 21 Forks Market Road, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4T7
