Tourexpi
“Over the past few months, the Paris 2024 Olympic
and Paralympic Games have been a catalyst to improve the way in which we cater
for disabled travelers. Employees and hotels have been working hard to make
Paris 2024 a wonderful experience for everyone. This achievement will be
one of the legacies of this historic event for Accor and we are determined,
once the Games are over, to continue rolling out the best innovations worldwide
to welcome every single guest”, explained Sébastien Bazin, Chairman & CEO
of Accor.
380 Accor brand hotels have received or are in the
process of receiving “Tourisme & Handicap” certification
The French government’s “Tourisme & Handicap”
certification, which has been operationally managed by Atout France since
May 1, 2024, recognizes the commitment of tourism establishments to ensuring
and improving the accessibility of tourist destinations and providing optimum
autonomy, for all. This initiative and the certification criteria meet all four
types of disability - auditory, cognitive, physical and visual.
As part of the Paris 2024 Games, over half of the
Group's hotels in host locations have begun a certification process. In early
July 2024, more than 380 Accor brand hotels had already received (80 hotels),
or were about to receive, certification, demonstrating the dedication of hotel
teams, owners and partners to improving accessibility. Reflecting this
commitment, on June 5, 2024, the Group received Atout France’s Gold Award for
accessible tourism.
Accor brand “Tourisme & Handicap” certified
hotels are registered on the “Accès Libre” online platform set up by the French
government, which aims to list the accessibility of all venues open to the
public in France and share this information as widely as possible. The Group
intends to extend this initiative to all its hotels in France and carry this
across to other regions of the world in order to share best practices
internationally.
Accelerated rollout of “Smart Room” features – the
practical designer concept that is transforming accessibility standards in
Accor hotels
Launched by Accor in 2017, the “Smart Room” is an
original room concept that elevates accessibility standards in the hotel
industry and is rolled out as part of new openings and hotel refurbishments.
Combining style and functionality, the Smart Room exceeds accessibility
standards and offers an experience that ends the demarcation between PRM
(Persons with Reduced Mobility) rooms and other room types. “Smart rooms”
include an adaptable wardrobe (low or high position), adjustable bed, curtains
and washbasins, as well as a sliding door to the bathroom. Every detail has
been designed to meet PRM standards, without any compromise to aesthetics or
the sensory experience. All Group hotels have access to a catalog of features
to improve the accessibility of its guestrooms. An example is the Pullman Paris
Bercy hotel, which has just completed the refurbishment of its guestrooms –
they now include open cupboards with a retractable wardrobe, and automatic door
opening via a push button for guests in wheelchairs.
Digital solutions for augmented accessibility
In addition to refurbishing its hotels, the Group
has upgraded its digital solutions to facilitate access for people with
disabilities before, during and after their stay.
The Group has also stepped up the rollout of
digital solutions to improve accessibility and rethink the customer experience
for disabled travelers ahead of their stay. As such, new filters have been
added to the Group’s reservation platform ALL.com to highlight available
accessible rooms.
The Group also provides hotels and their owners
with a selection of innovative solutions, including:
Audio induction loops at reception,
A GPS
solution within the hotel that guides visually impaired guests
autonomously to their chosen destination (guestroom, lobby, restaurant, etc.),
already rolled out at Pullman Paris Bercy and Sofitel Lyon Bellecour,
A support solution that
enables travelers to identify, find and locate items and text in their
surroundings, using the camera on their smartphone and artificial intelligence
algorithms. This solution has already been rolled out in ibis Styles Paris
Meteor and ibis Marseille Saint-Charles,
A public
interest service that uses a website and app to identify the specific
needs of guests and offer the most suitable room, with equipment added if
necessary. This solution, instigated by the French Ministry for Disability, is
notably being trialed at Pullman Paris Bercy and being rolled out at
MGallery Molitor.
Image
Credit: © Accor
The most interesting news
Vibrant Guizhou, China's World-Class Tourist Destination
On August 31, Guizhou, known as "A Park Province of China," where you can find exceptional mountainous terrains and hills, is promoting its breathtaking landscapes and culinary delights in Washington, D.C., the United States. Join People's Daily Onli
US Remains the World’s Most Powerful Travel and Tourism Market
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today launched its 2024 Economic Impact Trends Report, which has revealed the U.S. as the world’s most powerful Travel & Tourism market, contributing a record-breaking $2.36 TN to the nation’s economy las
Montevideo to Host Office for the Tourism Law Observatory for Latin America and the Caribbean
The first thematic office of UN Tourism will be based in the region of the Americas and will focus on legal issues.
Four Experiences to Enjoy Urban Leisure in Panama
Marriott International suggests four ideas to spend a fun-filled vacation exploring the urban side of Panama.
Emirates doubles partnership connectivity in a year
Opening opportunities for travellers to reach nearly 1,700 global cities beyond its network.
Emirates extends onboard Spirits and Beer menu with 10 new premium additions
As part of the world’s best beverage in the sky selection, Emirates is enhancing its extensive menu of spirits, beers, wines and champagnes, with ten new premium spirits and beers recently introduced onboard.
TikTok Travelers: Gen Z’s Dream Destinations
Whether it’s jet-setting or sitting pretty on a staycation, Gen Z travelers are trusting the trends and turning to TikTok for their next adventure. Whether Gen Z is reviving the classic road trip or packing for the pool, Hilton’s global portfolio
Holland America Line's 2026 Alaska Cruise Season Offers Front-Row Seat to the Wild Wonders
Guests can experience Alaska's majestic glaciers, wildlife sightings and destination-focused cuisine on a variety of cruises, including new 14-day roundtrip Seattle voyage.
UN Tourism and FIA Reinforce Partnership to Advance Sustainable Sports Tourism
UN Tourism and the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), have partnered to advance Sports Tourism on a global scale.
Elie Bruyninckx, CEO TUI Western Region, leaves TUI Group after more than 20 successful years
Elie Bruyninckx, CEO Western Region and member of the Group Executive Committee, has decided to leave TUI to pursue other activities outside the Group.
Festival enhances Guizhou's cultural bond with the US
Southwest China's Guizhou province made a grand appearance at the 22nd Washington Chinese Cultural Festival on Aug 31, Washington time, in the United States. Its promotional culture and tourism event was a major highlight of the festival.
The Peninsula Istanbul Wins One To Watch Award As Part Of The World´s 50 Best Hotels 2024
Opened in 2023, within the new Galataport development, The Peninsula Istanbul occupies a quartet of graceful waterfront buildings in one of the city's oldest neighbourhoods.
Ilma, the Newest Superyacht From The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Makes Its Debut
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s latest yacht presents an exceptional guest experience.
Eva Air Unveils Hello Kitty Besties Jet
EVA Air, a leading carrier in the aviation industry, is thrilled to announce the launch of its newest Hello Kitty® Besties Jet. The jet departed its inaugural flight BR55 on August 29, 2024, from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and is en
68th U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry to Headline WTTC Global Summit
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today announces 68th U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry as its keynote speaker at the global tourism body’s Global Summit, taking place on 8th – 10th October, in Perth, Western Australia.
Belgium's historic city Bruges set to ban new Airbnb rentals amid over-tourism
UNESCO World Heritage site undertakes efforts to tackle over-tourism, preserve city’s quality of life.
Exploring Albania's enchanting nature one unique adventure at a time
The Official Host Country of ITB Berlin 2025 is a rising destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering diverse landscapes perfect for hiking, rafting, paragliding, and birdwatching.
Hyatt Place Expands in The State of Maharashtra with Hyatt Place Aurangabad Airport
The property is conveniently located 1km from the airport and close to the city’s business district.
voco hotels opens doors to voco Stockholm - Kista in Sweden’s ‘Silicon Valley’
Embrace a dynamic blend of tech and culture, in Stockholm’s most diverse district, where innovations in music, design, fashion and technology are born.
Golf tourism bookings up in Türkiye's famed Mediterranean city of Antalya
Reservations surge 15% at golf resort in southwestern Türkiye, hosting prominent golfers from all around world.
Hilton Leads as Asia’s Top Hospitality Workplace for 8th Consecutive Year
Leading hospitality company, Hilton (NYSE: HLT), announced that it has once again been recognized as the highest-ranking hospitality company on Great Place to Work®'s "Best Workplaces in Asia™" list for the eighth consecutive year.
![](https://www.tourexpi.com/images/logo.png)