Travel company sees surge in bookings from holidaymakers with accessibility needs.
The number of travelers who book holidays with accessibility needs has increased dramatically since 2018 to reach more than double the original figure according to Tui. The market demand for accessible travel increased by 125% from 2019 to 2023 and showed a 14% growth compared to 2023 because of improved accessibility hotel guides and better trained staff and easier booking systems.
The accessibility manager at Tui Marina Snellenberg stated that travel companies historically provided access support because of rules or moral obligations but Tui focuses on the business advantages. The customers who need accessibility features in their travel spend more money while taking multiple trips and staying longer periods before booking and traveling with larger groups which makes accessible holiday strategies highly profitable.
The UK managing director Neil Swanson of Tui stated that the business strategy aligns with ethical responsibilities while delivering financial benefits to the company. The UK population contains 24% of people with disabilities or long-term conditions yet 80% of these individuals developed their conditions later in life thus Tui identifies a growing customer segment. The company strategy from Tui enables customers to stay loyal because their needs evolve through time such as aging or accidents.
The hotel chain Tui provides accessibility guides for 350 leading hotels alongside adaptive rooms with wider doorways and grab rails and it introduced its first sensory rooms in Cyprus and Ibiza for neurodivergent guests during the summer season. The company implements programs that include kids’ club training and British Sign Language interpreter services and an assisted travel team dedicated to providing clear information that supports traveler decision-making. The Civil Aviation Authority has identified five UK airports (Gatwick, Bristol, Cardiff, Liverpool and Norwich) that received a "needs improvement" rating in accessibility evaluations up to March 2024.
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