Disabled holidaymakers ‘stay in UK to avoid hotels and airports'
A survey of more than 1,000 people who were either disabled themselves or had someone with a disability in their family, found that 64 per cent said they may not travel abroad this summer.
The survey was carried out earlier this month by the polling company Savanta.
• 'Rights for disabled travellers don't exist in the air'
One of the major issues that emerged from the research was the struggle disabled people face when attempting to book hotels.
Of those surveyed, 58 per cent said the main reason for not going on a foreign holiday was because rooms with accessible facilities were too expensive.
More than half of respondents — 52 per cent — said that even finding a hotel with adequate accessibility provisions in the first place was a challenge. A further 54 per cent said they did not believe that hotels were properly equipped for disabled people.
Furthermore, 47 per cent said they had avoided staying in a hotel over the past 12 months because of accessibility concerns.
Booking flights was another issue, with 40 per cent of those surveyed saying that they had avoided flying over the past year because of accessibility worries and 56 per cent reporting that airlines were not well equipped to support disabled passengers.
A further 58 per cent agreed that international airports were not equipped to meet disabled travellers' needs.
Another problem that emerged from the data was the long delays which families with disabled members faced at airports. Some 51 per cent of the respondents cited this as their main concern when travelling abroad.
Transreport, a technology company focused on improving access for disabled people within the travel and hospitality industries, commissioned the survey. A white paper on aviation published by the company in April found that 48 per cent of disabled passengers had to wait for over 30 minutes when disembarking from an aircraft, and 17 per cent said they waited for over an hour.
In December, a Scottish family from Edinburgh said they had been told how they were left stranded in the Austrian capital Vienna, when a Ryanair flight left without them. Katie Brown, 25, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, told the BBC that she and her family were escorted by the airport's assistance staff to the boarding gate.
But she said that the airline staff failed to show up and they were told that their flight had been cancelled. They later learned the flight had taken off without them.
Ryanair said that airport staff were responsible for special assistance and that Brown and her family had been brought to the gate too late.
Jay Shen, the chief executive of Transreport, said the survey results underlined the 'real-world challenges' disabled people face when they travel.
He said: 'Action across the board is needed to drive lasting, meaningful change and ensure that everyone is able to travel safely and confidently no matter their destination.'
Fazilet Hadi, the head of policy at Disability Rights UK, commented: 'Unfortunately, it's therefore not surprising that for the majority of disabled people, going on holiday poses a wide range of accessibility challenges.
'UK travel companies need to increase options for accessible holiday accommodation. Airlines operating from the UK need to improve their own passenger assistance services and influence better practice in the airports they fly to.'
Emma Vogelmann, from the charity Transport for All, said: 'Most of us look forward to the fun of summer holidays, but as disabled people we find they're blighted by inaccessibility.
'We face booking systems we can't use, missing information about whether we can access things, and the risk of airlines breaking or losing vital equipment or leaving us stranded. The weight of extra cost, barriers, and worries can ruin our enjoyment or stop us travelling at all.
'Thirty years on from the original Equality Act, it's time that the travel industry stepped up to their accessibility responsibilities, so that all of us can enjoy a holiday this year.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
42 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Georgia Love reveals what's 'stolen her heart' as she enjoys intimate dance with her holiday partner... less than a week after ex Lee Elliott moved out of the house
Georgia Love has opened up about the very surprising thing that has stolen her heart, just days after her ex Lee Elliott moved out of their house in Melbourne. The 35-year-old former reality TV star recently shared a series of photos from her tropical getaway in picturesque Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. In one charming snapshot, Georgia beamed in a summery ensemble while posing along a scenic walkway adorned with vibrant umbrellas. Meanwhile, a clip showed Georgia dancing very close with her friend Abir Ahmed at a local bar. Georgia looked to be having the time of her life as she swayed alongside her travel companion, clearly relishing the moment. In her caption, Georgia expressed her enchantment with the holiday hotspot, stating, 'Puerto Plata has absolutely stolen my heart.' Georgia's stunning holiday follows reports she has been leaning on her nearest and dearest for support, following her recent split from her husband Lee Elliott. On Sunday, the 35-year-old revealed she has even replaced a photo of herself and Lee in her home with a picture of her male best friend. The Bachelorette star took to her Instagram to reveal her new home setup, which included a photo with her friend Abir Ahmed. The image showed the pair warmly embracing and smiling for the camera at her real-life bachelorette party in 2021. It comes after Georgia's ex Lee sparked rumours he has been enjoying a romance with Carrie Bickmore. According to Woman's Day, the radio host and the former Bachelorette star have been spending a lot of time together at Carrie's home in recent weeks. The publication claims the pair were introduced by mutual friends and the relationship is 'heating up quickly'. 'They've been trying hard to keep things under wraps. But there's definitely something romantic going on. They're a beautiful couple!' a source told the magazine. Georgia looked to be having the time of her life as she swayed alongside her travel companion, clearly relishing the moment Georgia's stunning holiday follows reports she has been leaning on her nearest and dearest for support following her recent split from her husband Lee Elliott. Pictured together in 2023 Daily Mail reached out to Carrie Bickmore and Lee Elliott for comment. Lee and Georgia, who first met on the 2016 season of The Bachelorette, announced their separation with identical posts to Instagram in May. 'After nine wonderful years together, including four as husband and wife, [we] have made the incredibly difficult decision to lovingly part ways,' they wrote. 'Our relationship has been so special and we will always cherish the memories, love, and laughter we've shared. 'There is no drama, no bad blood. Just two people who have grown in different directions while still holding deep respect and care for each other. 'We remain friends and we'd really appreciate our privacy as we navigate this next stage. Thank you.' Georgia and Lee had fuelled split rumours for some time, having not been seen together for four months and no longer wearing their wedding rings. Carrie, meanwhile, has long been linked to her Carrie & Tommy radio show co-star, Tommy Little. While they have never confirmed that they are a couple, fans continue to speculate about the true nature of their relationship.
Times
43 minutes ago
- Times
16 of the best hotels in Rhodes
According to Greek myth, Rhodes was created when the sun god Helios fell in love with a nymph named Rhodes who transformed herself into an island when his sunlight touched her skin. And with 300 days of sunshine a year, award-winning blue-flag beaches and a fascinating winemaking history, this Island of the Sun lives up to its name. Far more than just bargain beach breaks, it offers spa-centred retreats, design-led luxury hotels and historic boutique hotels hidden among its Unesco-listed old town, which is not only one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe but was once home to the Statue of Liberty-sized Colossus of Rhodes — one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This article contains affiliate links that will earn us revenue ££ | Best for a sense of history This special building in the heart of the old town was originally built by the medieval Knights of Rhodes, also known as the Order of St John. It's now a high-end boutique hotel with a pared-back interior — featuring exposed stones and wooden beams — that lets the building's original features sing. Each of the eight en suite rooms has the same minimalist approach to decor, and guests receive a complimentary bottle of wine on arrival. Historic attractions such as the clock tower and the Palace of the Grand Master are just steps away. • Read our full guide to Greece £££ | POOL | Best for sporty types The Eden Roc brand is renowned for its clean-line, California-cool spaces. Their five-star beachfront property in Rhodes, positioned between Rhodes Town and Kalithea, offers the same, while still welcoming families with larger bungalows, saltwater pools with slides and a kids' club. They've chosen to focus on sports over a spa, with tennis and basketball courts plus daily yoga, dance and fitness classes. There are also eight fine-dining restaurants to choose from. Other perks include dinner in a local restaurant and branded spirits included as part of the all-inclusive package. £ | POOL | Best for chic design Billed as a laid-back retreat infused with feelgood factor, this adults-only four-star property is part of a new generation of hip hotels on the island. The 271 minimalist rooms are decorated using earthy textures and materials, while the three restaurants serve everything from Asian street food to vegan snacks. And then there's the Captain Cook bar — one of three on site — which has a constant supply of cocktails and live DJs. If you can tear yourself away from the nearby beach, there's also a gym for workouts. £ | SPA | Best for a central location Smack in the centre of Rhodes old town, this adults-only luxury boutique option solves the age-old conundrum of having to get a taxi back to your hotel after a boozy night out, because these ten rooms and four suites belong to a gastronomic restaurant and wine bar. Arranged side by side in lively shades of reds, blues and yellows, the rooms — each with its own outdoor terrace — feature hand-painted murals dedicated to Greeks that made their country proud, while suites have jet-stream baths. The small wellness suite serves up facials and massages, as well as a hot tub and sauna, and the hotel can arrange private winery tours and tastings. Yamas! Read our full review of 10GR Hotel and Wine Bar ££ | POOL | Best for fancy families Named after the dama dama deer native to the island, this palm tree-studded luxury all-inclusive resort sits on the famous sand-and-pebble child-friendly Faliraki beach and features a mix of guestrooms and bungalows clustered around a showstopping 100-metre-long freshwater pool. Rooms are typical Grecian white with pops of coral and kids aged 12 and below stay for free. The Grecoland kids' club is also included. Perks for adults include complimentary fitness classes and unlimited drinks including premium brands. A classy all-rounder. ££ | SPA | POOL | Best for spa lovers Everything about the five-star resort spa Atrium Prestige, situated in the quieter south, centres around H2O. It sits on the seafront, features a vast swirl of four swimming pools, and every single one of its 251 rooms have jet-stream baths. Above all, there's the Thalasso spa — the only one of its kind on the island — providing sea-based therapies, such as pearl facials, algae wraps and exfoliators using coral-pink sand, in candlelit treatment room. There's a bamboozling array of room choices and grades, but we think the best price/quality pick is the Prestige Junior Bungalow suite with private infinity pool. Rooms lack a little flair due to dated furniture pieces, but the sea views always steal attention. • Best Greek island hotels• Greek islands you can visit all year round £ | Best for a rustic feel A bijou three-star in Rhodes old town that delivers at every turn. This compact high-rise has 11 classy coastal-themed rooms that incorporate touches of raw woods and rustic elements such as a headboard made of stacked white stones, or a metal bucket serving as the bathroom sink. Perks include all-natural eco mattresses and pillows, a breakfast-only spread fit for Zeus, quirky wooden rental bikes and a dinky roof terrace that outshines even some five-stars thanks to its hot tub flanked by a pair of stylish sunloungers. It is accessible and only accepts guests aged 16 or over. £££ | SPA | POOL | Best for couples escapes Lindos Blu is a breath of fresh air. Seemingly chiselled from the rocky coastline, this timber and stone-clad five-star hugs the curve of Vlycha Bay like an amphitheatre and unabashedly celebrates its epic views of the blue Aegean. The seascapes are mirrored in the Zen-like rooms with splashes of aqua and white curtains that fade to tie-dye blue. Hydro-massage baths come as standard in all rooms, but for added luxury you can upgrade to a deluxe superior double for a hot tub on the balcony, or a villa or maisonette for a private pool and hot tub. No whippersnappers are allowed at this adults-only escape, so leisure activities are tailored for two: from couples massages in the ayurvedic spa to tennis lessons. £££ | SPA | POOL | Best for entertainment Adult travellers seeking a box-ticking bubble of luxury you never have to leave will find it at this sprawling, all-inclusive, hard-to-fault five-star. Reminiscent of the Middle East thanks to its use of curves in the architecture, light open spaces and high-sheen floors, the 250 contemporary rooms blend olive linens, white sheets and light woods. Most have a sea view, but guests can splash out on a swim-up Junior Suite, or a private bungalow with grassy garden and pool close to the half-a-mile private beach. Entertainment is a real ace card here: from Zumba and yoga classes to mixology and cooking lessons, as well as live bands and a nightclub. £££ | Best for historical charm Sick of large glossy hotels? The antidote is this six-room, four-star that oozes old-soul charm. The medieval home belonged to the knight who oversaw the garrison guarding the nearby 'Red Gate' at the entrance to Rhodes old town and the traditional Ottoman balcony window posted above the front door sets the tone for what lies within. Thick stone archways, beds on mezzanine levels and objets d'art galore characterise this transporting boutique hotel. Rooms feature a free minibar and most have clawfoot bathtubs. Our pick is the Orhan, which opens onto a secret courtyard with a trickling water feature. ££ | Best for quality service A historic and personable hotel on the quieter western edge of Rhodes old town, this place has six spacious rooms with high, timber-beam ceilings and Egyptian cotton sheets. The Andromeda suite is the most romantic, thanks to arched glass windows opening onto a dreamy private terrace with an LED-lit hot tub. What it lacks in facilities it makes up for with attentive service: from the unpacking of suitcases for you on arrival and breakfast served to your balcony to in-room massages on request. £ | POOL | Best for group getaways The three-star aparthotel Alia, on the east coast, brings families and groups a dose of independence — self-catering apartments are coupled with hotel perks such as daily cleaning, a gaggle of five swimming pools, an open-air gym and sauna, plus two on-site restaurants and bars for those who don't want to cook using the kitchenettes. If budget allows, avoid the economy rooms and book the Junior or Loft suites, where you'll find fresher decor and private pools shaded by raffia parasols. Alia is equidistant between the shingle Haraki and Agathi beaches. • Best villas in Rhodes• Best beaches in Greece ££ | SPA | POOL | Best for design lovers This bohemian adults-only bolt hole is a real breath stealer. At the base of the monastery-capped Tsambika mountain, it's a secluded spot with friendly staff, where each room has access to a shared or private pool. The boho vibe blends a sophisticated palette of beiges, blacks and whites with fringed hammocks, tribal-print pillows, pouffes and throws and hand-picked accessories. The pick of the bunch is the suite with a private pool, with views of the cacti-studded garden and a whirlpool bath big enough for two to wallow in. Sweat in the state-of-the-art gym, chill out at the yoga shala, or shop at the boutique — but don't miss the gatherings at sunset for cocktails and poolside DJ beats. ££ | SPA | POOL | Best for a pool near the old town Hotels inside Rhodes old town rarely have places to swim, so this 75-room five-star just outside the old walls is the best of both worlds: a space to have a splash at the statue-lined pool without being too far from the action. A brasserie and the fine-dining Il Parco dish up Mediterranean fare, and there's a trio of bars — the pick of which is undoubtedly the Galaxy rooftop lounge for cocktails and sunset views over the crenellated walls of medieval Rhodes. Rooms are sleek, if a little bland, and you can relax in them after being rubbed, buffed and scrubbed at the spa with a sauna, hot tub and Turkish hammam. ££ | SPA | POOL | Best for beach babes Next door to Lindos Blu Luxury Hotel & Suites, the Lindos Mare enjoys an elevated position above the sea and is a peaceful, family-friendly five-star. Yes, the private beach can only be accessed via a stone stairway or elevator, but once there guests can try banana boats and other water sports. Youngsters will also get a kick out of the separate kids' pool and play club. Rooms are Aegean-style with accents of lavender in the doubles, and bright whites and seascape pictures in the superior rooms — always pay extra for a sea view. £ | Best for city exploring Trinity started life as a merchant's house back in the 15th century and its sympathetic restoration honours that history, with simple white linens and decor that lets the exposed stone walls and timber-beam ceilings sing. It has just six rooms with kitchenettes and an elegant freestanding bathtub; if you book a double and forgo a balcony you'll gain a separate hot tub. There's no restaurant, but the friendly staff serve you a drool-worthy breakfast. A superb find that far exceeds its three-star rating. • Best Greek islands• Best hotels with swim-up rooms in Greece What's your favourite Rhodes hotel? Please share in the comments below
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Daily Mail
How Europe slammed its borders shut: As ten nations including Germany and France introduce police checks to tackle mass migration 'jihadi threats', how they're heading to Britain
It was as long ago as 1957 that freedom of movement was first enshrined as a fundamental right of EU citizens. In the intervening 68 years, that right has only become even more ingrained, with the Schengen Agreement allowing the citizens of 25 EU member states to not just live and work in other countries but to come and go without any border checks.
