New tourism quality mark for disability access
Following on from last month’s article which related to the publication of new European guideline on how to make Tourism more Accessible we are sticking to the tourism theme to let you know that a new Irish quality mark is to be awarded to tourist accommodation judged accessible for people with disabilities.
The quality mark which is known as “The ABLE Tourism Q Mark” has been developed by Excellence Ireland Quality Association (EIQA) in conjunction with Failte Ireland and the quality mark will be awarded to hotels, self-catering accommodation, caravan and camping parks that meet the required standards of accessibility. The standards require facilities to provide accessible bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchens and alarms for people with disabilities.
Irene Colliins, managing director of EIQA stated that the intention was to make Ireland “the first ABLE destination in the world” with accessible holiday accommodation that guarantees the highest standards. Ms Collins said “We believe that this will brings an entirely new tourist market worth millions of euro to our shores”.
The Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan launched the award (April 2012) and presented the Q Mark to five facilities:
- The Crowne Plaza hotels in Blanchardstown and Santry,
- Kilmore Cottages in Wexford,
- Blarney Caravan and Camping Park
- River Valley Holiday Park in Wicklow.
The Minister said the mark was a prime example of how local business can create job opportunities and said it would become a “commercial imperative” for people in the hospitality sector. “It’s a very appropriate time to be expanding the tourist product into a ready made market that we often take for granted” he said.
For further information relating to the new quality mark, click here. Alternatively, if you would like further information or need further assistance in relation to accessible tourism please do not hesitate to contact one of our team on 01-4151285 or e-mail [email protected].
