Virgin Hotels’ new initiatives promise a more inclusive and comfortable stay for travelers with Autism

Friday, March 29, 2024

Virgin Hotels, the renowned luxury lifestyle hospitality brand with presences throughout the U.S. and U.K., is advancing its dedication to inclusive travel by offering an array of programs and services tailored for neurodiverse travelers and individuals with hidden disabilities. Acknowledging that sensory sensitivities, communication barriers, and unique needs can discourage these travelers, Virgin Hotels aims to bridge this gap with solutions focused on more than just awareness.

In a significant move, Virgin Hotels has partnered with Autism Double-Checked, a leading organization in promoting autism awareness and education within the travel sector. This collaboration has led to comprehensive training and resources for Virgin Hotels staff, enhancing the travel experience for neurodiverse guests. Presently, four Virgin Hotels locations – in Nashville, New York, Dallas, and Chicago – have achieved Autism Double-Checked certification, with the New Orleans and Edinburgh hotels set to join them in 2024, achieving a notable brand-wide milestone.

Autism Double-Checked reports that out of 25 to 35 million people who are parents to children with autism, 87% currently refrain from traveling or taking family vacations due to the challenges in the travel landscape. Virgin Hotels is addressing these challenges with a thoughtful and extensive commitment to providing safe and welcoming experiences for autistic and neurodiverse travelers, which includes:

• Diverse Hiring Practices: Through its Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) program, Virgin Hotels hires a diverse workforce, including neurodiverse individuals, by partnering with local organizations.

• Specialized Staff Training: Staff at Autism Double-Checked certified properties receive training to assist guests with autism or hidden disabilities in a knowledgeable and empathetic manner. The brand also plans to introduce additional training resources, including unconscious bias training.

• Pre-arrival Visitor’s Guide: An Autism Double-Checked visitor’s guide provided by Virgin Hotels helps guests identify sensory-friendly areas and other important information to enhance their stay.

• Support for Hidden Disabilities: A partnership with Hidden Disabilities introduces sunflower lanyards for staff and guests, signaling non-visible disabilities that may require additional support.

Inclusive Accommodations

Virgin Hotels’ accommodations are thoughtfully designed with features like blackout shades, adjustable lighting, and large walk-in showers with handheld features, catering specifically to the needs of travelers with autism. The unique two-chamber design offers privacy and noise control, with temporary door alarms for added security. The brand is committed to introducing more inclusive accommodation features.

Hotels with Heart: Practice Stays at Reduced Rates

In 2024, Virgin Hotels unveiled the Hotels with Heart initiative, offering reduced rates for practice stays at Autism Double-Checked certified hotels. This program allows travelers to familiarize themselves with the hotel environment, ensuring a comfortable and reassuring experience ahead of their actual journey.

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