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1 The Importance of Incorporating Sensory Accessibility in the Hospitality Industry

“In the bustling lobby of a modern hotel, a little guest, Alice, accepts the pink welcome drink offered to her, and she is taking a moment to absorb her surroundings. The receptionist Anna, who is well-trained in assisting individuals with hearing impairments, quickly recognizes Alice's reliance on visual communication and lip-reading. Speaking slowly and with pronounced clarity, she hands Alice a tablet. It displays an illustrated map that simultaneously translates her words into subtitles and showcases the hotel's facilities. As Anna describes the location of the kids club, where Alice can savor the most delightful strawberry ice cream, chocolate crepes, and the water slides she'll enjoy with her sister, she also maintains direct eye contact, allowing the young girl to read her lips. And so, this year's summer vacation for Alice begins.”

In the contemporary reality of the hospitality industry, how probable is the above scenario? Do hotels have the culture or even the potential in terms of facilities and specialization to provide such an experience?

While accessible tourism has evolved in policy and research, its practical application often lags, with obvious consequences on the experiences of travelers with disabilities. Consider the instance of Alice in a hotel lobby: her interaction with a receptionist highlighted that genuine sensory accessibility extends beyond mere compliance with a standard. Yet, such instances remain sporadic, underlining the need for a paradigm shift from mere compliance to genuine understanding and application within the tourism industry [1].

Accessibility and inclusion for all guests are of paramount importance in the modern hospitality industry [2]. Although the importance of this issue is widely recognized, there is a specific area of accessibility that often goes unnoticed: sensory accessibility. Sensory accessibility is vital for individuals with sensory challenges, such as those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, sensory processing difficulties, or visual and hearing impairments.

This paper delves into the opportunities for enhancing sensory accessibility in hotels. It emphasizes understanding the unique needs of individuals with various sensory challenges and fosters practices that ensure their inclusion. By focusing on thoughtful design and a keen orientation towards sensory accessibility, a broader and more equitable range of opportunities in the hospitality industry can be realized.

2 The Current Situation and Best Practices

Sensory accessibility in the hospitality sector encompasses multiple facets, which include the physical environment, the digital realm, and interpersonal interactions guests have with the staff.

The paper intensively investigates the unique needs of guests with varying sensory challenges. It underscores the importance of identifying triggers and modifying communication and information dissemination techniques to accommodate these needs. Current practices and guidelines within the hospitality industry relevant to sensory accessibility are critically assessed, employing research and case studies to pinpoint successful strategies and areas necessitating further enhancement and innovation [3].

3 Action Research: Integrating Specialized Communication Practices in Hospitality for Individuals with Hearing Impairments

In the dynamic field of hospitality, ensuring an inclusive environment for all guests is paramount. With a growing awareness of the needs of guests with sensory impairments, there is an urgency for service protocols and amenities to adapt and evolve, to cater to such specific needs. This action research aims to explore the integration of specialized communication practices and technological tools for individuals with hearing impairments within a contemporary hotel setting.

In addressing communication barriers faced by individuals with hearing impairments in the hospitality sector, it's pivotal to incorporate comprehensive strategies. Two effective measures include training staff in specialized communication techniques and the deployment of digital tools, notably tablets equipped with transcription software that converts spoken words into subtitles [4]. These adaptations can result in noticeably reduced communication challenges for guests with hearing impairments.

The lack of preparation of service staff poses significant barriers to travel and touristic activities for people with specific accessibility needs, including mobility, vision, hearing, and cognitive dimensions of access. A hotel hosting such guests must have a range of infrastructures and provisions to ensure their smooth and safe stay. Ensuring proper training for the staff about these different types of accessibility requirements is critical. In emphasizing this issue's importance, we provided a practical suggestion based on a recent hotel engagement [3].

4 Holistic Inclusivity in Hospitality: Strategies for Sensory Accessibility and Guest-Centric Services

The integration of sensory accessibility in the hospitality sector is vital not only for the well-being and comfort of guests but also for its impact on branding. Providing sensory access, which involves persons with hearing or sight impairments, necessitates the provision of tactile markings, signs, labels, hearing augmentation-listening systems [4] and audio cues for lifts and lights. Moreover, the following strategies are imperative to genuinely cater to the needs of all guests.

4.1 Training on Assisting Guests with Specific Needs

Understanding the varied requirements of guests is crucial for the hotel industry. While terms such as WCHR (Wheelchair ramp), WCHS (Wheelchair—up and down step), WCHC (Wheelchair- all the way to seat), and WCLB (Mobility aid with lithium ion batteries) have their origins in the aviation sector [5], they are equally helpful and relevant to the hospitality industry Specifically:

  1. a.

    WCHR refers to guests who can walk short distances but may have difficulties with stairs.

  2. b.

    WCHS denotes individuals capable of walking short distances but unable to navigate stairs.

  3. c.

    WCHC describes guests with mobility disabilities.

  4. d.

    WCLB identifies those with mobility challenges who use a lithium-ion battery-powered wheelchair.

  5. e.

    DPNA: Guests with cognitive or developmental disorders, such as ASD, ADHD etc. [6].

Incorporating these terms into hotel training ensures that staff are well-prepared to cater to the diverse needs of their guests, providing an enhanced level of service and understanding.

4.2 Training on Assisting Guests with Specific Needs

Understanding the varied requirements of guests is crucial for the hotel industry. Quiet Zones, Adjustable Thermostats, Neutral Aesthetics, and Flexible Decor are not merely additional amenities but fundamental elements that can make a guest's stay more comfortable and tailored to their personal needs. It's imperative for hotels to incorporate these details into their services to offer a genuinely personalized experience to their visitors [7].

4.3 Dedicated Section on Website/App

A specific section for individuals with special needs should be included on the hotel’s website or app, offering detailed information pertinent to their unique requirements.

4.4 Training on Assisting Guests with Vision Impairments

For guests with vision challenges, it’s vital to implement specific accommodations. These include Voice Technology for seamless information access, Braille Signage throughout the facility, Accessible Pathways and Entrances for safety, and Optimal Lighting with materials available in large print, audio, or Braille formats [8].

4.5 Training on Assisting Guests with Hearing Impairments

To better serve guests with hearing impairments, hotels should implement several key measures. These include offering Assistive Listening Devices in essential areas like meeting rooms, installing Visual Alarms for safety, providing Telephones with Visual Indicators and vibrating alerts, and ensuring availability of Sign Language Interpretation services, particularly during events like seminars. These adaptations not only enhance accessibility but also contribute to a more inclusive and personalized guest experience [9].

4.6 Specialized Check-In Process

A personalized check-in approach that reassures the guest and, if desired by them, informs the staff about their specific needs to ensure immediate assistance if required.

4.7 Staff Sensitization and Training

Comprehensive training for staff on the importance of accessibility and recognizing non-visible impairments or disorders. This could be achieved through written and oral guidelines.

4.8 Realistic Evacuation Drills

Conduct realistic evacuation exercises that encompass guests with a diverse range of challenges and needs.

4.9 Designated Areas for Mobility-Impaired Guests

Clearly marked areas designated for guests with mobility challenges, like toilets, stairs or tables. Both staff and guests should be educated to respect these designations [10].

4.10 Cooperation in Need of Equipment Repair

Collaborate with vendors or service providers to ensure immediate assistance in case of any damage to assistive devices or medical equipment. By creating an inclusive environment that caters to a wide range of sensory needs, hospitality businesses can enhance their brand reputation and appeal to a broader customer base. Attracting guests with different sensory needs is essential for developing a more comprehensive hospitality approach that serves all customers.

4.11 Prioritizing Staff Training in the Hospitality Sector: Ensuring Inclusivity for Guests with Sensory and Mobility Impairments

The hospitality industry thrives on its ability to provide exceptional service to its diverse clientele. With a significant portion of the global population living with sensory impairments, the need for specialized staff training in this sector has never been more evident. Before diving into the specifics of the training modules, it’s essential to grasp why this training is crucial. Trained staff not only ensure that hotel services are accessible but also play an important role in creating an inclusive environment that resonates with empathy, understanding, and respect for all guests. To ensure training remains effective, it should be an ongoing process. Regular workshops, expert sessions, and feedback from guests can offer invaluable insights to refine and adapt training methods. Staff should also be encouraged to share their experiences and challenges, fostering a culture of continuous learning. By empowering hotel staff with the necessary tools and knowledge, the hospitality industry can lead the way in understanding and accommodating the diverse needs of its clientele, paving the path for a more inclusive future [11].

5 Conclusion

In conclusion, the hospitality industry’s success hinges on its ability to adapt and cater to all guests, regardless of their challenges. Emphasizing continuous training for staff is crucial to meet these needs. By investing in understanding and accommodating every guest, the industry not only enhances its service quality but also champions a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all.