The Sustainable Hospitality Alliance is joining forces with the European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT) to increase “disability inclusion and promote universal access” across the hospitality sector.
The two organisations said the partnership will see them acting in “close collaboration, enabling knowledge sharing to make the world’s hospitality industry accessible to all”.
ENAT, which focuses on the study, promotion and practice of accessible tourism, will work with the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance on information sharing and joint projects. The alliance will encourage its 50,000 member hotels to take part in ENAT activities including training.
Sustainable Hospitality Alliance’s CEO Glenn Mandziuk said: “ENAT’s work striving for greater inclusion for people with disabilities will greatly support the work the alliance is doing in opening up the sector.
“This partnership is an opportunity for both organisations to share best practice, align on research and produce tangible solutions to make the hospitality industry more inclusive for people with disabilities.”
ENAT president Anna Grazia Laura also called the partnership an “important step forward” to increase accessibility for hotel guests with specific access needs.
“We are delighted to engage with the alliance to offer our expertise and resources in training and planning according to Universal Design principles, strengthening the accessible offers provided by the members,” she said.