Karisma Hotels & Resorts has just proudly announced that it’s introducing the industry's first-ever dedicated Autism Concierge at its various brand properties. The new program has been developed in partnership with Autism Double-Checked, the leading online autism training and certification firm for the hospitality industry.
As the world’s first hotel group to establish such a role, Karisma is encouraging guests who are traveling in the company of children or adults with autism to contact these specialized concierges—whose contact details are listed within the resort’s visitors guide—for onsite support or with questions about their specific needs. Guests who are looking for support as they’re planning their vacations can also email the Autism Concierge at [email protected].
By introducing these guest service specialists, who are available to answer all autism-related questions, Karisma is taking its commitment to inclusivity to the next level. "We continually work to exceed our guests' expectations by adapting ourselves to their needs," said Daniel Lozano, Vice President of Operations at Karisma Hotels & Resorts. "In addition to ongoing training, this added resource will assure guests that we take their concerns seriously and that we want them to feel at home at our resorts."
These specially certified individuals will also serve as onsite ambassadors for Autism Double-Checked’s comprehensive, three-part training program. In fact, teams at each of Karisma’s award-winning luxury properties have now completed a number of Autism Double-Checked courses in "Assisting Guests with Autism" and all guest-facing staff members have been trained on the specific challenges that guests with autism may face during their stay.
An Autism Awareness puzzle-heart symbol sitting on a sandy beach with mother and child in the background. (Source: iStock/Getty Images Plus/vejaa)
This year, the hotel company also plans to make temporary door alarms available to guests upon requests, which will provide them with additional peace of mind in knowing that their loved ones remain safe and secure. Such initiatives are being introduced as part of Karisma’s overarching inclusion efforts.
“Inclusion is only possible if you truly understand the population you wish to include,” said Autism Double-Checked Co-Founder and CEO Alan Day. “It takes specialized training to understand and address the specific needs of travelers with autism, and we’re proud to help bring understanding and compassion to our travel industry partners. Karisma Hotels & Resorts has been truly dedicated to undertaking this training and pursuing their vision of diversity and inclusion.”
Autism Double-Checked reports that the autism community in the U.S. alone includes approximately 25 million people who are generally eager to travel, and are loyal to brands that understand and accommodate their needs. Autism Double-Checked’s hospitality-specific training is conducted in three stages general basic training for all staff; specific training per department; and the development of a site-specific visitor guide to assist visitors with autism, their parents and caregivers. Once all three phases are complete, the hotel earns its "Autism Double-Checked" Certificate, which signals that it is ready, willing, and able to welcome families and guests impacted by autism.
Karisma Hotels & Resorts properties that have already completed the more intensive stage of training and earned their Autism Double-Checked Certification include:
- In Mexico: Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya, Margaritaville Beach Resort Riviera Cancún, Azul Beach Resort Riviera Cancún, Generations Riviera Maya, El Dorado Royale, El Dorado Casitas Royale, El Dorado Maroma, El Dorado Seaside Suites, Palafitos Overwater Bungalows
- In the Dominican Republic: Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana, Margaritaville Beach Resort Cap Cana
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