Disabled Friendly Travel Shops Increase

Disabled travellers will find it easier to get the perfect holiday on the high street, as UK wide multiple The Co-operative Travel announced that staff at a further 47 branches have undergone specialist training to ensure that they are up-to-speed with all aspects of holidays for people who require specialist travel.

This takes the number of disabled friendly branches across The Co-operative network to 89.

As well as trained staff, these high street agencies are Disability Discrimination Act compliant, with clear access, power assisted doors, portable hearing loops and visual alarms in-store.

In addition, the branches carry a specialist guide that contains information such as airport facilities and details of key travel partners in the UK and abroad, alongside other essential information.

It is a year since the travel business introduced this tailored service, and in that short time demand for disabled-friendly holidays has soared, with sales in excess of £1.4 million.

Jane Witherington, Commercial and Market Development Manager with The Co-operative Travel Trading Group, said: “Since we launched our Specialist Travel proposition we’ve been overwhelmed with positive responses and feedback from our customers, staff and charities. It is clear that this service is appealing to a large sector of the market which is currently underserved, and therefore we are delighted to be leading the way in this important area for the travel industry.”

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