So that everyone can enjoy its hotels equally, Marriott International strives to provide facilities and services that respect the dignity and independence of people with disabilities, while fostering an inclusive environment in which all guests feel comfortable. welcome.
Accessible tourism in Latin America has experienced significant growth in recent years. According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in its report "Accessible Tourism: A World for All", published in September 2021, it is estimated that approximately 15% of The population in Latin America has some type of disability. This report also highlights that more and more destinations are adopting special measures, which has resulted in an increase in accessible tourism in the region.
Marriott International has implemented a series of measures to guarantee accessible stays that go beyond large spaces in the properties to facilitate mobility. Rooms with specific facilities have been adapted to provide a comfortable and safe environment. From grab bars and walk-in showers, to Braille signage. Additionally, the hotels offer wheelchairs available upon request, as well as barrier-free access to common areas, restaurants and swimming pools, allowing guests with disabilities to enjoy all the hotel facilities.
Some examples of affordable hotels in the region include the recently renovated Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Convention Center in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, a great option. The property located near the boardwalk offers rooms adapted to the needs of guests with disabilities, such as lighted doorbells, low-height electrical outlets, bathrooms with grab bars, among others. It also has accessible public bathrooms, ramps throughout the hotel, special access to the beach and pool, as well as special parking spaces.
Another example is the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino in the Caribbean, in one of the most visited destinations in the region for its tropical beauty. Located next to the Caribbean beaches of Palm Beach with incredible views of the ocean on its soft sand beaches and crystal clear waters. The property offers accessible palapas for guests with mobility limitations who like to spend the day on the beach while enjoying the sea breeze. The wooden deck that leads to the palapa facilitates access, since the sand does not cause damage to wheelchairs. The property also has Braille signage for room numbers and on telephone panels.
As for urban hotels, it is possible to explore the beautiful city of Sao Paulo without worrying about accessible accommodation, since the Sao Paulo Airport Marriott Hotel has rooms for disabled people with low beds to facilitate mobility and support bars in the rooms. bathrooms. Additionally, guests can request a wheelchair during their stay, as the property has ramps in all spaces, including the pool. Some hotel staff speak sign language to make each guest's stay special.
Marriott International's commitment goes beyond its hotels, as the hotel chain has integrated accessibility not only in its hotels but also on a digital level. From your reservation website, to the Marriott Bonvoy mobile application; its award-winning travel and loyalty program, all Marriott digital platforms are adapted for use by people with hearing and vision disabilities. For example, guests can customize their accommodation to their needs and request additional services, such as special rooms, before their arrival and from the comfort of their cell phone. Marriott Bonvoy offers access to 31 hotel brands in more than 10,000 destinations around the world, ideal for any travel preference.
Another action that adds to their commitment is that, for the second consecutive year, The Washington Post Creative Group and Marriott Bonvoy, announced a joint collaboration that focuses on planning "regenerative travel" that benefits local communities, boosts economies and take care of the environment. Content creators Cole Sydnor and Charisma Jamison visited St. Helena Island in South Carolina to discover its cultural wealth. After a diving accident, Cole's mobility was limited, but this has not been an impediment to discovering new destinations together with Charisma and together they motivate other people with disabilities to live incredible experiences.
Marriott International strives every day to ensure that all people with functional diversity can enjoy more than just a vacation, but memorable experiences that should be experienced more than once in a lifetime.