InteleTravel is launching a training programme to help its members promote and sell accessible travel.
The programme will start with a live workshop on 29 November with presentations from key partners. A panel of advisors, all with accessible needs, will debate their personal challenges and the difficulties of finding accessible-friendly products.
Suppliers participating in InteleTravel’s Inclusive Travel For All (ITFA)initiative include TUI, Royal Caribbean Cruises and Ocean Florida.
The initiative is also backed by ABTA, said InteleTravel.
ITFA will have dedicated newsletter content, webinars, quarterly workshops, sessions at the InteleTravel annual conference and an option for a taster session learning British Sign Language and International Sign Language.
The launch of the initiative follows a recent InteleTravel Facebook poll, which found that only 7% of travel advisors thought the industry supports the accessible travel sector, while 33% said they have enquiries from customers requiring accessible travel.
The British Deaf Association says that one in five of those aged 55 years and over will be deaf or experience hearing loss. It will be working with InteleTravel to educate advisors on dealing with the hidden disability.
Another ITFA partner is Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, a global programme that provides support for individuals with non-visible disabilities, including autism, ADHD, dementia, epilepsy and aphasia, which affects an individual’s ability to communicate.
Advisors attending ITFA events will be qualified to use the InteleTravel certified badge and certificate.
InteleTravel UK and Ireland Managing Director Tricia Handley-Hughes said: “Homeworking provides a lifeline for those with a disability which prevents them from performing an office-based role.
“InteleTravel includes many such advisors who have proved through their sales revenues that disability is not an obstacle to earning a good income.
“In addition, we have seen a big increase in the number of customers requesting accessible holidays and an ageing population who want to continue enjoying travelling. As an industry we need to modernise our approach to how we satisfy those needs.”
