Amilla Maldives Becomes the First Disability Compliant Resort

Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences has become the first resort in the world to be verified by IncluCare. UK-based organisation, IncluCare offers inclusive and accessible travel training, assessment and accreditation for the tourism industry.

The announcement about Amilla Maldives was made at a special event held at London’s Great Scotland Yard Hotel on 28th November 2022.  A panel discussion about how tourism and hospitality experts can push accessibility and inclusion to the top of the agenda for the travel and media industries was a highlight of the evening. The discussion was chaired by Condé Nast Traveller’s sustainability editor, Juliet Kinsman and included IncluCare founder, Richard Thompson, Ed Warner, founder of award-winning accessible design specialists, Motionspot and representatives of Amilla Maldives Resort and Great Scotland Yard Hotel.

According to IncluCare, one in five people have a significant mental or physical disability and the spending power of the disability market is estimated to be USD 10 trillion per year. The panel heard how disabled people stay longer, spend more money and often travel with support but the majority of hotels worldwide are still not disability compliant. The verification of Amilla Maldives, a remove island in the Maldives and Great Scotland Yard hotel, a historic listed building in one of the oldest cities, shows that it can be done anywhere.

Featured Image: Panel discussion held at Great Scotland Yard Hotel

“In a world awash with certifications, and hundreds in the travel sector alone, IncluCare stands for a really significant seal of approval — verified accessibility and inclusivity. We still have a long way to go when it comes to the hotel industry offering experiences that everyone can book, whatever their abilities, and this sets a really important benchmark in terms of sustainability and responsibility which I hope will inspire more hotels to do the right thing when it comes to considering all the needs of every potential guest,” said Juliet Kinsman, Sustainability Editor, Condé Nast Traveller

Amilla Maldives’ certification by IncluCare has prompted interest from the government of Maldives, including a visit from the Minister of Gender and Family, Aishath Mohamed Didi. Responsible for disability rights, she is now campaigning for legislative change to improve accessibility and inclusivity for Maldivians. The island nation currently has an estimate of at least 2,000 people with disabilities who are likely to struggle with getting a job. Amilla Maldives is exploring how they could bring changes in the Heart of House (staff area) to create an inclusive workplace that can offer job opportunities for disabled people.

Featured Image: Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences