InteleTravel addresses accessible travel with new series of initiatives 

A series of initiatives backed by major suppliers is being introduced by InteleTravel to help its homeworkers promote and sell accessible travel.

 

The ‘Inclusive Travel For All’ (ITFA) scheme starts on November 29 with a live workshop including presentations and educational content on the sector. 

 

A panel of advisors, all with accessible needs, will debate their personal challenges and the difficulties of finding accessible-friendly travel options.

 

InteleTravel partners involved in the initiative include Abta, Tui, Royal Caribbean and Ocean Florida.

 

ITFA will include dedicated newsletter content, webinars, quarterly workshops, sessions at the InteleTravel annual conference and an option for a taster session learning British Sign Language (BSL) and International Sign Language (ISL).

 

Feedback from a recent InteleTravel Facebook poll found that just 7% of advisors thought the industry supports the accessible travel sector, while 33% have enquiries from customers requiring accessible travel and 46% confirmed they would support suppliers who offered appropriate products.

 

The British Deaf Association (BDA) states that one in five of those aged 55 years and over will be deaf or experience hearing loss. The association will be working with InteleTravel to educate advisors on dealing with the hidden disability which is often misunderstood and creates communication challenges.

 

Another partner is Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, a global programme that provides support for individuals with non-visible disabilities that include autism and ADHD, dementia, epilepsy and aphasia. 

 

The scheme, recognised worldwide for its Sunflower lanyards, provides support for customers who require assistance with communication or those who need support on their travel journey, with extra time, understanding, patience, and kindness.

 

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.”