Caravan Industry Association of Australia

Accessible Accommodation (The Accessible Group), is pleased to announce a new industry partnership with the Caravan Industry Association of Australia, focused on delivering new accessible tourism experiences in Australia’s caravan and camping sector. 

Australia’s caravanning and camping appeal transcends age, the draw of seeing our beautiful country remains strong for all demographics.  While the sector has a wide-ranging appeal, the industry wants to ensure no one is left out and that it is open and accessible to all Australians, which means all ages and abilities.

Caravan holiday park operators have a great opportunity to tap into this increasing demand through the provision of accessible accommodation, facilities, and activity areas. 

Recent data from Tourism Research Australia states that 20% of visitors in a caravan park or commercial camping ground reported a disability or long-term health condition of some kind.  This equates to approximately 3.8 million trips annually. 

Caravan Industry Association of Australia CEO, Stuart Lamont, said, “The announcement of our collaboration with The Accessible Group means a tremendous amount for the industry.  We recently saw a number of parks across the country receive grants from Minister Farrell and the Federal Government for accessible park infrastructure.  This collaboration is the next progression in embracing accessible tourism within the industry.”

“Accessibility is often confused with how mobile someone may be.  Accessibility means so much more, it is the practice of making information activities and surroundings make sense and meaningful for as many people as possible.”

The Accessible Group will provide accredited caravan holiday parks with access to specialised online tourism inclusion training programs and onsite consulting services as well as the opportunity to become certified as an Accessible Accommodation provider.

LEARN MORE IN THIS VIDEO

Quest Apartment Hotels

We are thrilled to enter a three year partnership with Quest Apartment Hotels, (under The Ascott Group umbrella of brands).  We chose to partner with Quest Apartment Hotels having seen the company embrace accessible tourism as an early adopter of this growing market. The key objectives will be:

1. All Quest employees and Franchisees will be completing the Tourism Inclusion Training Program that Accessible Accommodation and Spinal Cord Injuries Australia co-wrote. A 2 to 3-hour online course designed to ensure guests with disabilities are understood and receive a warm welcome when staying at one of the many fantastic apartment locations around Australia.

2. Accessible Accommodations consulting service is made available to assist in improving and exceeding the current accessible design in the existing Quest Apartment Hotels sites. Furthermore, the new construction underway and planned will also benefit from our consulting service.

3. Working together to broaden our Accessible Experiences offering by harnessing the Quest locations’ extensive insight into local experiences where accessibility is considered.

We were delighted to win the prestigious HM Awards 2023 for innovative collaboration.

Victorian Tourism Industry Council

We are delighted to partner with the Victorian Tourism Industry Council (VTIC).

VTIC is the dedicated peak body and leading advocate for Victoria’s tourism and events industry.

Their purpose is to influence and shape the visitor economy in Victoria.

VTIC are a not-for-profit organisation that connects and informs members, offers future-focused insights, keeps members abreast of policy change and advocates for the industry to government.

Their focus is advocacy, business support services, training and professional development, and events and networking.

Each VTIC member has the opportunity to be listed on the Accessible Accommodation or Accessible Experiences websites and will receive a free advertisement to their 35,000 followers and subscribers at the value of $299.

Contact: enquiry@theaccessiblegroup.com

Para Mobility

We are delighted to announce our partnership with Para Mobility. Because properties that offer accessible pools, receive 15 times more bookings than those without. Imagine sitting on the sidelines, watching your family splash about in the pool, whilst you cannot. Offering accessible pool equipment can overcome this challenge.

Para Mobility works closely with a range of Accommodation Providers, Councils, Architects, Access Consultants, Individuals and Government Providers to ensure thousands of facilities across the country can improve access and mobility within public and private infrastructure, health and education organisations.

They help implement access equipment such as Pool & Spa Hoists, Platform Lifts, Aquatic Wheelchairs, Pool Steps, Car Access Lifters, Accessible Change Rooms with Ceiling hoists and Adult or Child Support Change Tables.

These solutions enable people with accessibility challenges to engage in everyday activities, promoting dignity along with a sense of autonomy and self-confidence. This in turn, supports the breaking down of barriers, promoting equal opportunities, and fostering a more inclusive and compassionate community. Click Here for their brochure.

Para Mobility are offering an exclusive discount for any property that has worked with The Accessible Group through its consulting service to improve access amenities. contact Kerry for more info at kerry@theaccessiblegroup.com.

UserWay

Accessible Accommodation (The Accessible Group), is pleased to announce that it has partnered with UserWay. By integrating UserWay's cutting-edge accessibility solutions into our platform (see the little blue button on the right of the page), we are not only enhancing the inclusivity and accessibility of our own digital offerings but also empowering other businesses to do the same. This collaboration highlights our commitment to ensuring seamless navigation and engagement for all users, regardless of their abilities. Together with UserWay, we are poised to lead in accessibility standards and provide comprehensive support for businesses looking to integrate advanced accessibility technology into their digital landscapes.

Solutions offered by UserWays include:

Accessibility Widget - level up the accessibility of your internet presence by integrating their AI powered widget to your website.

Accessibility Monitor - scan and export detailed accessibility issues of your website.

Accessibility Audits - audit your website for ADA and WCAG compliance.

If you would like more information on this, please take a look a the UserWay website, or contact Grant at grant@theaccessiblegroup.com.