MOLINE, ILLINOIS (April 2, 2025) — Visit Quad Cities, the region’s official destination marketing organization, will host a special AccelerateVQC program on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, highlighting the power of accessible travel and honoring local partners that have taken action to be more inclusive for visitors of all abilities.
Event Details
- Wednesday, April 23, 2025
- 11:30AM-1PM (Doors open at 11)
- The Current Iowa Hotel
- 215 N Main Street, Davenport, Iowa 52801
- Free to attend
- Media encouraged to attend, no credentials needed
The program, Accessible Tourism: Breaking Barriers, Building Experiences, will feature guest speaker Sofia Bravo, Head of Customer Success, at Wheel the World, who will share how technology is transforming the travel experience for people with disabilities and the role destinations play in creating a more inclusive visitor experience.
"This AccelerateVQC event will be especially exciting as we honor local partners who have championed accessibility in the Quad Cities,” said Lindsey Row, Director of PR and Communications at Visit Quad Cities. “Participating in the Wheel the World program was completely voluntary, so it’s important to publicly recognize these partners for their efforts. We’re proud to see them featured on the Quad Cities’ Wheel the World page, and we hope this sparks interest in more partners joining us in our accessible travel initiatives.”
As a newly-designated Verified Destination by Wheel the World, Visit Quad Cities, and Wheel the World will recognize eleven locations that have completed Wheel the World’s site-mapping program. Each will receive an official accessibility seal to display at their entrance. These seals signal that key accessibility information, such as step-free entrances, restroom types, door widths, table height, and accessible parking, is available to visitors before arrival.
Seal recipients include:
- The Axis Moline Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
- Barrel House (5141 Utica Ridge Rd, Davenport, Iowa)
- Channel Cat Water Taxi
- Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse
- The Current Iowa, Autograph Collection
- Figge Art Museum
- Foundry Food + Tap
- The Half Nelson
- John Deere Pavilion
- Riverboat Twilight River Cruises
- Whitey’s Ice Cream (2601 41st St, Moline, Illinois)
As a Verified Destination with Wheel the World and a proud member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, Visit Quad Cities is committed to creating a more inclusive visitor experience. Recognized with the People’s Choice Award at the 2025 Iowa Tourism Conference, the organization will continue building on this momentum by identifying new partners and expanding its accessibility efforts across the region.
About Visit Quad Cities
Visit Quad Cities, established in 1990, is the region’s official destination-marketing organization (DMO). Through tourism, Visit Quad Cities generates economic growth, fosters the visitor economy, and elevates the regional destination's global presence. An accredited DMO through Destinations International’s DMAP program, Visit Quad Cities promotes the regional brand, drives economic opportunities, invigorates visitor experience, and enhances quality of life and place for all Quad Citizens. For information, visit visitquadcities.com.
About Wheel the World
Wheel the World is transforming the travel industry by making it truly inclusive. Through our innovative platform, we provide travelers with disabilities and seniors with the detailed accessibility information they need to book hotels, tours, and experiences with confidence. By partnering with destinations, businesses, and tourism organizations, we are breaking down barriers and creating a world where everyone can explore freely. We are actively seeking like-minded businesses to join us in this mission, because together, we can change the future of travel.
