&# 13,
&# 13,
&# 13,
&# 13,
13-year-old Virgin Hotels Champions Inclusive Travel for Neurodiverse Guests,
&# 13,
With a complete diversity program in place in partnership with Autism Double-Checked, Virgin Hotels makes accommodations for people with disabilities who are both neurodiverse and those who have hidden disabilities more comfortable and safe. As visual perceptions, contact differences, and particular needs often deter these travelers from embarking on vacations, Virgin Hotels recognized this space and set out to create a remedy that goes beyond recognition. To develop extensive training and resources for Virgin Hotels staff members that positively affect the tourist experience for neurodiverse travelers, Virgin Hotels has established a meaningful relationship with Autism Double-Checked, an business at the vanguard of dementia awareness and training in the travel industry. Virgin Hotels Nashville, Virgin Hotels New York, Dallas, and Virgin Hotels Chicago are now the four Virgin Hotels that have Autism Double-Checked certified. In 2024, Virgin Hotels New Orleans and Virgin Hotels Edinburgh may become certified, marking a milestone for the entire company. Between 25 and 35 million people are parents of one or more children with autism, according to Autism Double-Checked, and 87 % of them do not now go or taking family vacations due to the current travel environment. According to James Bermingham, CEO of Virgin Hotels Collection,” a significant portion of the population is missing out on the chance to make remembrances with loved types,””. ” Our goal is to provide a safe and accessible area that allows all people to travel comfortably, and working with Autism Doubled-Checked was a crucial step for Virgin Hotels to take in order to significantly improve and impact the lives of neurodiverse guests. With the extensive and deliberate approach they’ve taken to providing our team members with the tools they need to produce important memories, we can then confidently offer autistic and neurodiverse travelers the tools they need. The hospitality brand is implementing effective methods to make a difference including: Hiring: Through Virgin Hotels ‘ Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ( JEDI) program, the company hires people that are indicative of the world and encompass a variety of cultural backgrounds, women and skills. Each hotel collaborates with a neighborhood organization to get people who are neurodivers. Comprehensive Staff Training: Every staff member at a qualified Virgin Hotel house goes through professional education in partnership with Autism Double-Checked. They are taught how to greet and aid visitors who have hidden or autism, as well as how to treat them with respect and empathy. Additionally, there are plans to expand team members ‘ continued resources, including workshops on unconscious bias and beyond. Visitor’s Guide: Virgin Hotels provides an Autism Double- Monitored visitor’s guide for guests back of their stay that highlights visual- friendly areas within the hotel. Here, guests can find information about quiet spaces, potential noise levels, and other considerations. Additionally, Virgin Hotels has partnered with Hidden Disabilities to allow employees and guests to wear a sunflower lanyard to indicate that they have a non-visible disability and may require additional time, assistance, or care. Accessible ChambersVirgin Hotels ‘ chambers are specially constructed to accommodate the needs of people with autism so that everyone can feel at ease and in charge of their accommodations. Important in-room touchpoints include the ability to adjust the lighting, large walk-in showers with handheld functions, two chamber design that allows for noise and separation, and temporary door alarms to alert travel companions should the chamber door be opened at any time. The company anticipates introducing more inclusive accommodation add-ons this year. Reduced Rates for Practice Stays Hotels with Heart: Reduced Rates for Practice StaysVenture Hotels has just introduced Hotels with Heart to further increase accessibility in 2024. This promotion offers reduced rates for practice stays at all Virgin Hotels that have Autism Double-Checked certifications. This opportunity gives travelers a meaningful way to test the waters, making sure a smooth experience before the actual trip. Guests interested in booking a rehearsal stay can email [email protected].
