Agent urges travel to reach ‘gold standard’ for accessibility and inclusion
Will PayneA specialist travel agent has launched a new award scheme to recognise travel companies which "lead the way" in championing accessible travel options.
Jon Fletcher, owner and founder of the Wheelie Good Travel Company, told TTG he hopes the scheme will encourage companies to adopt accessibility and inclusion as a "viable and sustainable" business model.
"One of the things over the years that has always struck me is people wishing they could find an award scheme like the Michelin star rating or the AA for accessible options, but there isn’t one," he added.
"I thought it was a really nice way of encouraging hotels, airlines, cruise lines, tourist attractions and others who really want to celebrate accessibility.
"I believe it’s important to recognise where our industry is working to become more accessible for disabled and more inclusive to all. This award will be awarded to those in our industry who are trying to set the gold standard in accessibility and inclusion.
"We are looking for those who have come up with a really good idea, and not just companies who have spent thousands and thousands, it might be something very simple."
The first recipient of the new award was Hotel Brooklyn in Manchester, which Fletcher praised for its "innovative" accessibility features, including joists in bedrooms and modern bathrooms.
"A year ago, I sat on the stoop in Hotel Brooklyn, feeling inspired by what their team has achieved, and I tentatively told my partner of an idea buzzing around in my head," Fletcher added.
"If it had not been for Hotel Brooklyn Manchester, there would be no Wheelie Good Travel Company, so it seemed fitting to choose them as our first recipient."
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