The Co-operative Travel has expanded the number of branches able to cater for the needs of disabled travellers.
Staff at 47 agency outlets have undergone specialist training to ensure that they are up-to-speed with all aspects of holidays for people who require specialist travel.
This takes the number of disabled friendly branches across network to 89 since the initiative was introduced a year ago.
In that time demand for disabled-friendly holidays has resulted in sales of more than £1.4 million.
The high street agencies are Disability Discrimination Act compliant, with clear access, power assisted doors, portable hearing loops and visual alarms in-store.
They carry a specialist guide containing information such as airport facilities and details of travel partners in the UK and abroad, alongside other essential information
The Co-operative Travel Trading Group commercial and market development manager Jane Witherington said: “Since we launched our Specialist Travel proposition we’ve been overwhelmed with positive responses and feedback from our customers, staff and charities.
“It is clear that this service is appealing to a large sector of the market which is currently underserved, and therefore we are delighted to be leading the way in this important area for the travel industry.”
Brian Seaman, head of consultancy at Tourism for All, a charity that provides holiday information service for disabled and older people, said: “The continued improvement of services to disabled customers by The Co-operative Travel is in line with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act and also helps the business to meet its obligations under the Equality Act, which came in on October 1, 2010.
“We always welcome news of developments that demonstrate a commitment to provide services for all users – and wish that other companies would take notice and follow their example.”