1. How to Profit Through Access

2. It’s not just disabled visitors who benefit.

3. How many people do you know that are disabled?

4. it’s not always about door widths, ramps and lifts.

5. Why should you care?

6. It’s good business Disabilities increase after 45 Families, older and disabled visitors to hotels that meet their needs they will tell others!

7. Older adults are great customers Flexibility Shoulder season and off season travel Consider offering better prices, emphasize less hassle and crowds in your marketing Loyalty Longer stays Give them reasons to stay Graying Population

8. The 5 stages Think of every step of your visitors experience From attracting visitors to getting feedback Low cost changes can have a large impact on your visitor’s experience www.visitengland.com/easydoesit Provides advice on free and inexpensive ways to make your hotel more accessible

9. Stage oneAttracting visitors in the first place – Improve your marketing information Review your brochure and website using this section. Website Accessibility Initiative (WAI) - good guidelines for website design www.w3.org/WAI Simple Changes

10. Provide information in alternative formats • Offer large text. 12 point is the minimum,14 to 16 is best. • Use clear typefaces e.g. Arial, Univers • Different colors between text and background. • Avoid long sentences • Clear pictures and details of rooms and facilities Simple Changes

11. Stage two Making your booking processes easier Provide different booking methods Every visitor will have their own preference. Check your reception staff’s knowledge of your product Provide ongoing training for staff DPI provides this training www.dpiap.org Simple Changes

12. Stage three Taking the stress out of travel People with disabilities need to plan in advance Help with information give advice on travel options and clear directions. Your website could have a Travel page and you could also send an email with more tailored instructions. Does your address work in Google maps? Make the arrival easy Can you provide parking or baggage drop-off Simple Changes

13. Stage four They’re here • Are paths free of weeds and trip hazards?• Do you have hand rails to help those unsteady on their feet (from young toddlers to those with arthritis)?• Is the door easy to open and are the door mats flush with the floor surface? Simple Changes

14. Review the environment • Make sure the entrance and reception are well lit• Provide seating close to the reception area• Be prepared to write down information • Be ready to complete forms for guests Simple Changes

15. Improve access in eating areas • Provide adequate space • Provide well-lit tables for those with visual impairments• Provide areas away from music or noise for hearing-impaired guests • Have the ability to reserve particular tables Simple Changes

16. Make access easy in your accommodation • Have vibrating alarm clocks with flashing lights available. • Have a magnifying glass handy • Ask all visitors if they have any specific needs or anything you can help them with Simple Changes

17. Stage five Time to go home Offer flexible arrangements for check out• If later, can you consider a flexible check out time or offer a secure storage area for luggage?• If visitors want to leave early, can you offer a morning alarm call, flexible breakfast arrangements, pre-booked taxi? Help with the journey• Be ready to advise on stop-off points Ban Bo Dan Hot Springs • Can you offer refreshments for the journey? Simple Changes

18. Secure feedback • Ask for feedback. • Review evaluation forms – do you ask what could have made their visit more enjoyable?• Consider more creative/quick ways of asking for feedback e.g. post-it notes, post cards, Survey Monkey• Encourage staff to ask customers about their visit and to write down what they say• Make a record of any visitor preferences/specific requirements and ask to keep their details on record so that you can keep in touch Simple Changes

19. Do one thing today - develop an action plan of simple changes Simple Changes

20. www.profitthroughaccess.co.uk Provides free online training Simple Changes

21. Marketing to older travelers Your customers are your best marketing tool Happy customers will Tell their friends Comeback Write positive review online Focus on building a relationship with you customers Provide the access they need Provide great service Marketing to older people

22. Tell older travelers about the area Shopping Saori Foundation Centre Evening Market at Ban Niang Visiting historical places marine police boat and Tsunami Museum Wat Khrom Me Nee Ya Khet- Buddhist temple Outdoor activities and national parks Khao Lak Lamru/Chong Fah Waterfall Thai Muang Lampi Waterfall and Thai Muang beach Khao Sok National Park Sri Phang Nga National Park The Surin and Simian Islands Marketing to older people

23. Give seniors a reason to stay The Beach Events http://www.khaolak.net/attractions/festivals.html Seniors will extend their stays to participate Social opportunities and meeting new people Brainteasers and Sudoku Morning Jog/ bike ride Thai Cooking classes Massage lessons Water polo Local market tour Marketing to older people

24. Creating Relationships online Face book Trip Advisor YouTube Twitter Blogs Marketing to older people

25. Information is key Wheel chair users can not rely on standard tourist information Information is essential to improving access Travelers make their decisions on information provided to them Access Guide

26. Universal Access Guide to Khao Lak Tour Operators Transportation options Accommodations Attractions Assistance Access Guide

27. Transportation in Southern Thailand: The region currently lacks a van or bus with a wheelchair lift or ramp installed. Volvo 740 station wagon works well for individuals that are able to transfer themselves large enough to fit a fully assembled sport chair. 2 options for accessible van have a manual ramp temporarily installed into a van. Contact Asiegolf at info@asiegolf.com for details. rent a van with a lift in Bangkok and have it driven to southern Thailand. Access Guide

28. Khao Lak needs accessible transport Wheelchairs users choose Chiang Mai and around Bangkok A cheap and simple solution exist Access Guide

29. Sailing Phang-Nga Bay June Bathra, a traditional junk-rigged schooner. Tours are offered daily and leave from Phuket. Recommended by people with special mobility needs. http://www.asian-oasis.com/june.html Access Guide

30. Diving Sea and See Diving Offers accessible diving trips from Khao Lak. Scuba Cat This Phuket based dive shop with International Association for Handicapped Divers certification (www.iahd.org). Provide dive courses designed for people with disability Access Guide

31. Bamboo Rafting This is a popular activity at Lam Kean close to Khao Lak. Contact Thai Muang tourism association for more information. Another great spot for rafting is the stunning Khao Sok National Park, located 1.5 hrs from Khao Lak. The park is famous for its extraordinary landscape and limestone cliffs. The cliffs protruding from the lake can reach heights of 960m. Access Guide

32. Even golf is possible Access Guide

33. wheelchair users can do just about anything With help from a guide and a few locals this man was able to get into a very inaccessible boat This region needs to identify guides Access Guide

34. Giving travelers a reason to come back Provide excellent service Access Makes it easy for people to stay Tell guest about activities you have to offer Add information about Khao Lak Tell them about up-coming and annual event Provide activities, encourage guests to socialize Give them the access guide (available at www.DPIAP.org) Access Guide