This week, Karisma Hotels & Resorts, in partnership with Autism Double-Checked, is pleased to announce the introduction of the world’s first Autism Concierge. providing a dedicated contact for all autism-related questions and serving as an extension of the comprehensive three-part Autism Double-Checked training program.
In Mexico, staff from Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya, Margaritaville Beach Resort Riviera Cancún, Azul Beach Resort Riviera Cancún, Generations Riviera Maya, El Dorado Royale, El Dorado Casitas Royale, El Dorado Maroma, El Dorado Seaside Suites and Palafitos Overwater Bungalows., and in the Dominican Republic, the staff of Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana and Margaritaville Beach Resort Cap Cana, have now completed the most intensive stage of training that allows them to obtain certification as Autism Double-Checked.
Karisma Hotels & Resorts is the first hotel group to offer an Autism Concierge, which encourages guests traveling with a child with autism or adult guests with autism to inquire about specific needs through a concierge contact listed in the resort’s visitor guide. Guests seeking help planning their vacation can contact Autism Concierge by emailing autism_concierge@karismahotels.com.
“We continually work to exceed the expectations of our guests by adapting to their needs,” said Daniel Lozano, Karisma Hotels & Resorts Vice President of Operations. “In addition to ongoing training, this additional resource will reassure guests that we take their concerns seriously and want them to feel at home at our resorts.”
Every Karisma Hotels & Resorts staff member has completed a series of Double-Checked Autism courses in “Assistance to Guests with Autism” and all staff who come into contact with guests have been trained in the specific situations that guests with autism they may face during their stay.
In 2023, Karisma Hotels & Resorts also plans to introduce temporary door alarms (available to guests upon request). These alarms will allow guests to vacation with the peace of mind that their loved ones are safe and secure. These initiatives exist as part of Karisma Hotels & Resorts’ overall inclusion efforts.
Autism Double-Checked was created to prepare the travel industry to better serve guests with autism through industry- and job-specific training for all front-desk staff. It also helps the autism community to confidently select the travel opportunities that best fit their needs.
The autistic community in the US is made up of approximately 25 million people who, according to Autism Double-Checked, are eager to travel and loyal to companies that understand their needs. The training includes three stages: general basic training for all staff, department-specific training, and the development of a site-specific visitor’s guide to assist parents, caregivers, and visitors with autism.
Once a hotel has completed the three phases, it obtains the “Autism Double-Checked” Certificate, which indicates that it is ready, willing,
“Inclusion is only possible if you really understand the population you want to include,” said Alan Day, co-founder and CEO of Autism Double-Checked.
“Specialized training is needed to understand and address the specific needs of travelers with autism, and we are proud to help bring understanding and compassion to our travel industry partners, Karisma Hotels & Resorts has been truly dedicated to conducting this training and pursue its vision of diversity and inclusion.”