Richard Thompson: Inclusivist-in-Chief

Few people have reshaped the landscape of travel quite like Richard Thompson. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he has channelled knowledge, advocacy, and personal experience into one mission: making exploration and discovery – in all its forms, inclusive to everyone, everywhere. His work is rooted not only in industry expertise, but in lived reality – a life-changing spinal cord injury, reframing both his relationship with travel and his determination to ensure others would never have to abandon theirs.

Richard’s portfolio of impact is formidable. As founder of multiple pioneering organisations including Accessible Travel & Leisure, the Good Access Guide, and the spinal injuries charity Sportability, he has opened the world’s doors wider for millions. He has trained airlines, hotel groups, tour operators, motorsport venues, and destination partners across Europe and the Middle East; served as expert witness to the UK legal profession; and reignited the ambitions of travellers who believed mobility or sensory requirements placed the world firmly out of reach.

Today, as co-founder and CEO of the Inclu Travel Group, Richard leads a global collective of inclusive luxury travel specialists dedicated to transforming hospitality standards. He has served as a member of the World Summit on Accessible Tourism Programme Committee, a Global Ambassador for the Conscious Travel Foundation, and one of Condé Nast Traveller’s most influential figures in accessible and inclusive travel.

Through decades of relentless advocacy, Richard has proved that inclusivity is not simply a service – it is a mindset, a design philosophy, and the truest form of hospitality. Neither is it a trend or a talking point – it is a promise that no one’s adventure ends early, no story goes unfinished, and no barrier is too immovable to challenge.

Discover more about Richard at IncluGroup.com