Accessible Qualified Program
Accessible Qualified Program
THE GOLD STANDARD FOR ACCESSIBLE TOURISM
Travellers with disabilities often face uncertainty when choosing accommodations, as they rely on accurate and current information about accessibility features.
The ‘Accessible Qualified Program’ Seal of Approval has been a significant stride in building trust among these travellers.
This program assesses and accredits accommodations, ensuring they meet high standards of accessibility, based on three tiers. When a hotel, resort or holiday park displays this seal, it signals that their accessible features have been thoroughly vetted and are consistently maintained up to date.
This assurance, backed by a credible and recognized program, greatly reduces the guesswork for travellers with disabilities, allowing them to make informed decisions with confidence. It represents a commitment to transparency and reliability in accessibility information, fostering a more inclusive and trustworthy travel experience.
Furthermore, it gives peace of mind to tourism operators as they know where they stand in terms of accessibility.
The Accessible Accommodation’s Accessible Qualified Accreditation program is highly beneficial for hoteliers for several reasons.
Ten Reasons Why You Should Participate
1. Broader Customer Base:
Joining our Accessible Qualified Program enables tourism businesses to attract a wider audience, including guests with disabilities, thereby expanding their market reach, and therefore boosting your occupancy rate.
2. Guests Book Directly To You:
Although we prefer guests to book through our website (using our direct booking functionality), many use it to gather reliable information before directly contacting the property or experience provider. The investment, equivalent to a standard one night’s stay, is money well spent.
3. Competitive Advantage:
Differentiate your business from your competitors. Being ‘Accessible Qualified’ is a key decision factor for travellers with specific accessibility needs.
4. Adoption by ATDW:
With our Accessible Qualified Program now part of the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW), you can indicate your qualification on your ATDW listing to enhance visibility to tourism offices.
5. Enhanced Reputation:
Participating in our Accessible Qualified Program can enhance your business reputation, signalling a commitment to inclusivity and quality service for all guests.
6. Enhanced Guest Satisfaction:
Fulfilling our requirements guarantees a more comfortable stay for guests with disabilities, resulting in increased satisfaction and positive reviews.
7. User-Driven Benchmarking Standards:
Our Accessible Qualified Program was collaboratively developed with input from our end users, our followers, who have firsthand knowledge of their needs as a traveller with a disability.
This program offers you the assurance that your services meet the specific criteria desired by these travellers, ensuring peace of mind for both you and your guests.
8. Marketing Promotional Advantage:
The Accessible Qualified Program serves as a valuable marketing asset, enabling tourism providers to showcase their commitment to accessibility, thus strengthening your appeal to a diverse clientele. Participants receive a sticker for their business entrance, a certificate, and digital assets.
9. Social Responsibility (ESG):
The Accessible Qualified Program aligns with social responsibility goals, demonstrating a commitment to equality and inclusivity, which can resonate well with socially conscious travellers. For organisations wishing to secure Environmental, social and governance (ESG), participation is a key advantage.
10. Grant Application Benefits:
Government grants are occasionally available for businesses to enhance accessibility. Being ‘Accessible Qualified’ may improve your status and value proposition when applying for government grants.
There are three tiers:
Tier 1: Assisted Walking
Walking Frame or Cane Users. Some accessible amenities would come in handy.
Tier 2: Independent Wheelchair User
Wheelchair users who can self-transfer to bed, shower and toilet.
Tier 3: Assisted Wheelchair User
Guests are unable to lift themselves. Requires assistance of a support person or equipment.
In 2024, we are introducing three more tiers; vision, hearing and sensory (autism) assisted.
