An accessible travel initiative introduced by Ocean Florida has attracted 1,000 bespoke bookings generating sales of £8 million in its first year.
The operator has partnered with Visit Florida and influencers Hannah and Becky Cheetham, who run Cheethamswithdreams on Instagram, to further highlight the sunshine state as an accessible holiday destination.
Hannah, who has cerebral palsy, her sister Becky, and their parents are taking a trip this month, including access to the Kennedy Space Centre, Universal and the Gulf Coast.
Customer feedback conducted throughout the first year of the initiative shows booking the trip is only half the potential stress.
To help tackle that challenge, customers can now expect to be assigned a dedicated accessibility co-ordinator, who will make contact fur to six weeks prior to travel, to ensure a smooth journey.
The Ocean Holidays brand has also invested in its website to provide a content hub of information, designed to help customers streamline their personal travel experience.
Those with mobility needs can expect accommodation with widened doorways, hoist-entry pools and walk-in showers, as well as wheelchair accessible beaches, airline assistance and local transfers. Alternatively, there are options for autism-certified hotels and parks with low sensory areas with specially trained staff available for those with cognitive needs.
Product and commercial director Anna-Maria Janssen said: “We’re so proud of this initiative and are thrilled to say we’ve helped over 3,500 people with unique requirements to book their dream holiday in the first year. We truly believe everyone deserves to travel comfortably and without stress, no matter what.
“It’s crucial for travel agents and holiday providers to not be fearful of accessible bookings, which is why we invested in training our accessibility champions, to ensure they have the skills necessary to give all customers the best experience possible.
“We’re thrilled with the success of this program so far, and will continue to learn and develop the initiative as we help more and more customers book their dream Florida holiday.”
Accessibility co-ordinator Lindsey Brumby added: “As someone with a disability myself, I’m personally really proud of this initiative.
“Not only does it help all customers have the holiday of their dreams, it also puts the customer in complete control. This is particularly important because everyone’s experience with disability is different and unique to them, and everyone should be able to build a holiday specifically designed to them and their needs.”