by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 6:15 PM ET, Fri February 23, 2018
In an effort to provide professional travel advisors with the tools needed to effectively service emerging segments of travelers, the American Society of Travel Agents has announced a new partnership with Special Needs Group.
Both ASTA and its sister organization, National Association of Career Travel Agents (NACTA), will be involved in the newly announced alliance with Special Needs Group (which is also known as Special Needs at Sea).
"SNG has long been an unwavering supporter of travel agents through their Accessible Travel Advocate Certification program, with a track record of delivering superior customer satisfaction," Zane Kerby, ASTA President & CEO, said in a statement.
Special Needs Group is the leading global provider of wheelchair rentals, scooter rentals, oxygen rentals and other special needs equipment. The organization also services guests visiting hotels, resorts, theme parks and convention centers and partners with cruise lines to create expanded opportunities for travel and a streamlined process for equipment delivery.
"We are honored that both ASTA and NACTA have embraced our cause of delivering an accessible world," said SNG President Andrew Garnett.
"Our 4,100 SNG Certified Accessible Travel Advocates have helped to propel our ability to service over 215 major metropolitan destinations in 68 countries. ASTA is the voice of the travel agency distribution system and we are pleased to support their efforts with education and training."
There are more than 60 million Americans who suffer from chronic disabilities, which represents about 20 percent of the U.S. population.
In addition, 24 million Americans with disabilities have indicated a desire to travel or to travel more frequently if their needs could be met.
Already, this demographic spends about $32 million annually on vacations.
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