Disco Debbie spun this old man around the dance floor proving she is the real deal with wheels and disability is no barrier.
But then Debbie is no ordinary traveller.
But rather a British Cabinet Officer Disability and Access Ambassador for the Countryside.
Although she’d probably take more pride in being a recent grandmother.
Have wheels, will travel
Since meeting Debbie North in Chemnitz in Saxony, east Germany, I have given more attention to disability access in travel.
Helped by my travel colleague Mark Bibby Jackson reminding me.
Through his choice of going on an accessibility tour pre-Chemnitz that this is an issue that the able-bodied should get on board with too.
Which is why I’m raising here Inclu’s launch of Inclusive Luxury Hotels.
Lap of luxury
Billed as the world’s first hotel discovery platform for discerning disabled travellers.
‘From Amilla Maldives to Ximuwu Lodge in South Africa.’
Comprising 18 hotels and resorts across ten countries they aim to expand their collection beyond 50 by the end of 2025.
Inclusive Luxury Hotels’ debut collection features the world’s first *****Verified by IncluCare-rated property, Amilla Maldives.
A further six properties have achieved Verified by IncluCare status:
The Atlantic Hotel, Jersey; Euphoria Retreat, Greece; Hotel Éclat Beijing, China.
La Miniera Pool Villas Pattaya, Thailand; and Leopard Walk Lodge and Ximuwu Lodge, South Africa.
En Route
Inclusive Luxury Hotels will also showcase ‘En Route’ properties that have embarked on their journey towards verification.
Including Cloud Forest Lodge, Lapa Rios Lodge, and Monteverde Lodge in Costa Rica.
Conrad London St James and Great Scotland Yard Hotel and Pan Pacific London.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island; Gaïa Riverlodge and Matachica Resort & Spa in Belize; Hyatt Centric Park City in Utah, USA; and Lujo Hotel in Türkiye.
The four steps
Inclu implement a four-step journey of evaluation, education and transformation.
- A comprehensive Inclusive Hospitality Appraisal of facilities, amenities and service provision for guests with apparent and non-apparent disabilities.
- Education for all – an effective online, webinar and train-the-trainer programme for leadership, heads of department and guest-facing personnel.
- Action and Adjustment Plan – prioritised recommendations to improve accessibility and guest-inclusivity.
- Visibility and Promotion – once the above steps are completed, Verified by IncluCare accreditation is confirmed and promoted via Inclu’s channels.
All of which the groundwork has been done by others such as the force of nature that is Debbie North.
Who I discovered for myself is the Real deal with wheels and disability is no barrier.
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