5 reasons holiday parks are so popular for travellers with disabilities
Feedback from Accessible Accommodation’s 33,000 followers is that Holiday Parks are a preferred choice. Here are five reasons why
With 18 percent of Australians living with a disability, and as our population continues to age, Accessible Travel is no longer a niche tourism sector.
Feedback from Accessible Accommodation’s 33,000 followers is that Holiday Parks are a preferred choice. Here are five reasons why.
Originally published in the new winter issue of AccomNews HERE
1 Self-contained accommodation
80 percent prefer self-contained accessible accommodation and the value for money it offers.
2 Two plus bedrooms preferred
There is a common misconception that people with disabilities are often unmarried, childless, or living alone. In reality, many are parents and spouses. Acquired disabilities are more common than those from birth. Up to 30 percent of bookings involve more than one room, as travellers often bring carers or family members. This is why cabins with multiple bedrooms are popular, as they allow families to stay together and ensure help is nearby. One-bedroom accessible accommodations see significantly fewer bookings compared to those with two or more bedrooms.
3 On-site activities
Holiday parks are renowned for their on-site activities, which enhance the overall holiday experience. While not all activities are fully accessible, the availability of accessible options is a significant advantage.
An increasing number of holiday parks are investing in equipment to make their swimming pools accessible. Accessible pools can boost bookings by up to 15 times compared to those without such facilities. To illustrate, I once asked an 8-year-old wheelchair user, “If there is one thing you could wish for when you are on holiday, what would it be?” Her answer was, “I’d like to get into a swimming pool so I can play with my sister and brother. It’s not fun sitting and watching them play in the pool.”
4 Multiple group bookings
Holiday parks are ideal for group celebrations such as reunions, major birthday milestones, and other significant events. Even having one accessible cabin can make a big difference, as it allows groups to include family members with accessibility needs. Offering accessible facilities increases the likelihood of large groups choosing to book at holiday parks. Public barbecue areas and other amenities for group activities are also highly attractive features.
5 Prime regional locations
Many holiday parks are located in regional areas, which is preferred by travellers with disabilities for several reasons. Road trips are more feasible as they allow travellers to bring necessary equipment and avoid the challenges associated with air travel. Holiday parks situated along major highways and within two hours of a city are in high demand, fitting well into the regional travel space and often surpassing hotels in popularity.
The only downside to these benefits is the current undersupply of accessible holiday parks. However, our partnership with the Caravan Industry Association of Australia aims to address this issue and expand the availability of accessible Holiday Parks across the country.
Kerry Williams is an entrepreneur and accessibility advocate, revolutionising how individuals with disabilities enjoy travelling through her Accessible Accommodation and Accessible Experiences websites. Reinforcing her passionate belief that accessible design can be functional and beautiful at the same time, her consultancy assists accommodation providers to maximise occupancy rates. A multi-award winner, she continues to drive innovation for seamless accessible travel.