Latest news with #WTMAfrica2025
Zawya
15-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
New initiative aims to enhance travel for neurodivergent travellers
A new initiative to create standardised questionnaires for neurodivergent travellers aims to improve the travel sector's service for this underserved market. As announced at WTM Africa 2025, the partnership between Tourism that Cares and Autism SA will provide guidelines to help hospitality providers better accommodate neurodivergent guests. "We're on an intentional journey to create a standardisation of best practice in the industry so that every lodge has the same questionnaire. Every tour operator has the same questionnaire," explained Lange, who has personal experience with neurodivergent family members. The new resource is in its infancy but would represent a significant step forward for inclusive tourism in Africa. Neurodiversity encompasses a range of neurological differences, including autism, ADHD, and other conditions that affect how people experience the world. The panellists emphasised that there is no one-size-fits-all approach, as each neurodivergent individual has a unique sensory profile. "Most people are either up or low on the various senses. I'm pretty much oversensitive across the board,' explained aircraft engineer Gary Bernstein, who identifies as autistic, highlighting how environments like noisy airports or cramped aircraft can be particularly challenging. For neurodivergent travellers, the unpredictable nature of travel can be overwhelming. "Airports present particular challenges with their noise, crowds, and complex navigation requirements. African destinations add another layer of complexity, but the panellists stressed that with proper preparation and support, these hurdles can be overcome." Lange emphasised the importance of predictability. Practical solutions for travel providers Pre-arrival communication The panel highlighted several practical steps travel businesses can implement immediately: 1. Comprehensive walk-through videos: 'A walk-through from the lobby to your room to public areas is essential,' Lange explained. Unlike marketing videos with music and quick cuts, these should be informative and thorough. 2. Personalised welcome videos: A 30-second video call from a staff member who will welcome the guest can create familiarity and reduce anxiety. 3. Detailed visual information: Maps, layouts, and visual guides help neurodivergent travellers plan and prepare for their experience. Airport and transfer considerations Fast-tracking services were identified as essential for navigating stressful airport environments. Lange described how his company uses private fast-tracking services to help clients move smoothly through airports, with all paperwork prepared in advance. Bernstein added practical advice for air travel: 'The further forward you are [on an aircraft], the quieter it is. But also, the further away from the wing, the more unstable it is. So it depends whether you are more sensitive to motion-based disturbance or noise-based disturbance.' Accommodation adaptations Simple accommodations in hotels and lodges can make a significant difference: 1. Adjustable lighting: It's important that travellers can dim the lights in the room. 2. Hyper-personalisation: Allow travellers to personalise their room with things like family photos and familiar home objects in the room, as this will make the space feel more comfortable. 3. Room location: Placing neurodivergent guests in quieter wings of hotels or resorts when available. 4. Sensory considerations: Being mindful of bed linens, sounds, and other sensory elements that might affect comfort. Itinerary design for neurodivergent travellers The panellists advised against the typical packed itineraries with multiple stops and connections. Instead, they recommended: 1. Minimising transitions and connection points 2. Building in decompression time after travel segments 3. Focusing on the peaceful, natural environments that Africa offers in abundance 4. Providing consistent support throughout the journey 'Don't transition like the typical itinerary for a client who wants to check boxes,' Lange advised, noting that what Africa offers can be particularly beneficial for neurodivergent travellers once they've moved past the stressful travel components. Industry initiatives on the horizon The website is also being developed as a resource for both travellers and industry professionals. "We want to be the benchmark for that," Lange explained, emphasising that while catering for neurodiverse travellers might not be immediately profitable for the tourism industry, it represents an important commitment to inclusion. Perhaps the most valuable takeaway from the discussion was Bernstein's advice on the single most important question travel providers should ask: 'How can we support you?' 'The biggest thing any business can do is ask the question, how can we support you? How can we accommodate you?' Bernstein emphasised. 'For the most part, those accommodations don't cost them money. It's a gesture. We accept you. We see you.' By implementing the practical solutions discussed by the panellists and approaching neurodivergent travellers with empathy and openness, African travel businesses can lead the way in creating truly inclusive experiences. By taking these first steps toward neurodivergent inclusion, the travel trade can open its doors to a wider audience while creating more comfortable environments that benefit all travellers. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
13-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Visit Qatar concludes successful participation at WTM Africa 2025 in Cape Town
Visit Qatar concluded its participation at WTM Africa 2025, held from April 9-11 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, with notable recognition by receiving the award for the Most Innovative Stand. The delegation featured nine key partners from Qatar's travel and hospitality sectors including Qatar Airways, Discover Qatar, Experience Qatar, Al Messila Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Doha, Ali Bin Ali Travel and Tourism, Marsa Malaz Kempinski, Radisson Blu Hotel Doha, Satguru Travel and Tours, and Tawfeeq Holidays. Qatar's stand drew strong interest from international trade professionals and media, showcasing the country's cultural richness, world-class hospitality, and year-round event calendar. Highlights included an augmented reality photo booth featuring animals symbolic of Qatar's natural heritage and an interactive Qatar Calendar booth spotlighting the country's events and a series of high-level meetings, Visit Qatar engaged with key African travel stakeholders to promote Qatar as a preferred destination and strengthen collaborations across priority markets in the region. For media-related inquiries, please contact Visit Qatar's Press Office on:pressoffice@ About Visit Qatar Visit Qatar is the main arm of Qatar Tourism. Visit Qatar's mission is to promote and expand tourism in Qatar by cultivating its rich culture, developing thrilling attractions, enhancing Qatar's calendar, becoming the leading MICE destination in the region, diversifying events and luxury experiences. Visit Qatar is rooted in Service Excellence, boosting the entire tourism value chain, and increasing local and international visitor demand in Qatar. Through Visit Qatar's network of international offices in priority markets, cutting-edge digital platforms, and marketing campaigns, Visit Qatar is expanding Qatar's presence globally and enhancing the tourism sector. Web:
