Sustainable Hospitality Alliance is partnering with the European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT) to increase disability inclusion and promote universal access in the hospitality industry.

The partnership will see both organisations act in close collaboration, enabling knowledge sharing to make the world’s hospitality industry accessible to all.

ENAT aim to be the 'frontrunners' in the study, promotion and practice of accessible tourism and by partnering with the Alliance, it will have the opportunity to engage with an influential network of member hotels.

The Alliance has a wide reach in the hospitality sector, representing over 50,000 properties and 7 million rooms globally. This partnership combines the Alliance’s expertise and global network with ENAT’s experience improving the accessibility of tourist information, transport, infrastructure, design and service for visitors with all kinds of access needs, providing models of excellence in accessible tourism for the whole of the tourism industry.

This partnership will see both the Alliance and ENAT share information and collaborate on joint projects, with the potential to set up commissions and advisory bodies. The Alliance will encourage stakeholders to engage in ENAT programmes and activities including training.

Sustainable Hospitality Alliance CEO, Glenn Mandziuk, said:

“Here at the Alliance we are delighted to welcome the European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT) as a partner. ENAT’s work striving for greater inclusion for people with disabilities, will greatly support the work the Alliance is doing in opening up the sector. This partnership is an opportunity for both organisations to share best practice, align on research and produce tangible solutions to make the hospitality industry more inclusive for people with disabilities.”

ENAT President, Anna Grazia Laura said:

“We, at ENAT see the agreement signed with Sustainable Hospitality Alliance as an important step forward to increase the possibility for tourists with specific access requirements to have a wider opportunity to be welcomed in facilities that will respond to their requirements in terms of comfort and quality. We are delighted to engage with the Alliance to offer our expertise and resources in training and planning according to Universal Design principles, strengthening the accessible offers provided by the members with the ultimate common goal of achieving the highest levels of customer satisfaction.”