About Us
Accessible Travel & Leisure
Helping the less mobile access the world
The origins of Accessible Travel and Leisure go back to 1997 (initially under the name `Travelability`) when three wheelchair users got together with the vision to create quality holidays specially designed for the those with mobility difficulties, whether caused by medical conditions such as stroke, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, etc., or as a result of unfortunate accidents.
From the beginning, the philosophy was to identify the individual requirements of each client and come up with a tailor-made package providing the right facilities, at the right destinations, door to door - and safely home again - mindful throughout of the importance of personal needs, comfort and dignity. To achieve this we set up a travel team whose expert advice is drawn from a wealth of practical experience, extending to regular inspections of many of the destinations we feature. Our concept soon gained a sizeable following. Word spread, largely as a result of referrals from highly satisfied clients, and our reputation became firmly established, evidenced by an exceptionally high percentage of repeat bookings.
Today, as an Air Tour Operator's Licence holder and a member of the Passenger Shipping Association, not only do we organise holidays for disabled people (singly or in groups) throughout Europe, we also routinely arrange their travel world-wide & including many far-distant destinations that only a few years ago would have been unthinkable for anyone with less than full mobility! Not least, recognising the importance of a holiday for the whole family, we also cater for all accompanying relatives and friends.
How big is the potential market?
- There are in excess of 10 million registered disabled people living in Britain with an estimated annual purchasing power of over £80 billion
- 2.7 million disabled people in Britain regularly travel
- There are over 10 million Britons aged 50-65
- The over 60`s are due to increase by over 2 million by the end of the decade
- The mature market in the UK purchase over 70% of all leisure travel
Do you fit the accessible travel and leisure franchisee profile?
As with any venture with genuine potential, you must be enterprising and prepared to be
`pro-active` in promoting your business, getting out and spreading the word, and not simply reacting to enquiries & again, we will show you how.
Specifically:
- First and foremost, you do not need previous experience.
- You do need to be outgoing and have empathy with mobility-impaired people.
- You must be a good communicator, comfortable in talking to clients individually and presenting to small groups & at homes for the disabled, for instance, or clubs and organisations.
- You also have to be efficient at administration, accuracy of travel arrangements being most important.
- You might not be fully mobile yourself. Perhaps more than most, we are fully aware of the capabilities of disabled people. If you have restricted mobility, but feel that you are able to deal with the demands of our franchise, we will be very pleased to talk to you.
Don't be left behind!
If you believe that your attributes and the Accessible Travel and Leisure Franchise could combine to make the interesting, rewarding and exceptionally worthwhile business you are seeking, call Andy Wright or Franchise Director Alison Parker on 01452 729739.
