Rockaway Beach, Oregon—In a landmark move for tourism accessibility, Rockaway Beach has become one of the first destinations in the United States to complete a comprehensive accessibility audit of its accessible rentals. This initiative positions the coastal town as a leader along the Oregon Coast, ensuring tourism accommodations can better serve all visitors, including travelers with disabilities and older adults.

Comprehensive Rental Audit Yields Insightful Results

The extensive rental audit, conducted by the accessibility consulting firm Becoming rentABLE, examined 430 short term rentals throughout Rockaway Beach. The evaluation assessed properties for features supporting disability access, such as ramps, step-free entries, and accessible bathrooms. Findings revealed that only 20 rentals fully satisfied baseline criteria for accessibility, while a significant number were close to meeting these standards with minor adjustments or additional information provided in their listings.

Focus on Existing Inventory and Listing Transparency

Rather than prioritizing new construction, city officials and local stakeholders are concentrating on improving the rental options already available. By eliminating physical barriers and enhancing the accuracy of property listings, Rockaway Beach aims to increase the number of accessible rentals without expanding its physical footprint. The team behind the rental audit emphasized that even modest property upgrades could substantially increase the region’s accessible inventory.

Economic Opportunity in Inclusive Tourism

Local leadership is optimistic that boosting tourism accessibility will unlock new economic opportunity for Rockaway Beach and the broader Oregon Coast. With nearly 20 percent of Americans living with a disability, and a growing population of older adults and multigenerational travelers, there’s a clear market advantage in providing for travelers with disabilities. Business owners and property managers in Rockaway Beach are encouraged to recognize the spending power and loyalty of accessible travel audiences.

Data-Driven Approach as Model for Coastal Communities

Becoming rentABLE’s CEO underscored the value of relying on real, property-level data—rather than assumptions—to identify gaps and opportunities. By sharing the results of Rockaway Beach’s audit, the city hopes to inspire other towns along the Oregon Coast to adopt similar strategies for accessible travel. The analysis found that through targeted education and modest upgrades, the city could potentially double its number of accessible short term rentals, making it a regional leader in hospitality inclusion.

Building a More Welcoming Future for Tourism

Rockaway Beach’s commitment signals a broader shift in how tourism destinations approach accessibility. By investing in improvements and making listing details clearer, the community is preparing for an era where tourism accessibility is not an afterthought, but a competitive advantage. This approach is anticipated to have positive impacts not only for those with disabilities but also for families, seniors, and anyone who benefits from thoughtful accommodations.

Regional Resilience Through Inclusive Tourism

For the residents and business owners of Rockaway Beach and nearby communities, increased accessibility represents more than compliance—it’s about fostering economic resilience and opening doors to a wider array of visitors. As the Oregon Coast continues to attract new guests, leaders hope this proactive strategy will ensure the region remains a destination of choice for inclusive, memorable travel experiences.