Miami, April 29 2024

KARISMA HOTELS & RESORTS AND AUTISM DOUBLE-CHECKED INTRODUCE THE FIRST-EVER AUTISM PASSPORT

AN EXTENSION OF THE PIONEERING AUTISM CONCIERGE PROGRAM

Karisma Hotels & Resorts is proud to announce it is the first hotel collection to implement the Autism Passport in partnership with Autism Double-Checked (ADC). An extension of the pioneering Autism Concierge program, the passport serves as a first-of-its-kind comprehensive tool for guests to convey essential information such as communication challenges, sensory sensitivities, special interests, emotional triggers, and calming strategies to staff members who will facilitate their stay. This document, conveniently accessible online, offers visitors a means to communicate their unique needs with Karisma hotels as well as certified airlines and airports. Karisma's commitment to inclusivity shines through this alliance, affirming its dedication to exceeding guests' expectations by adapting to their needs while ensuring that all visitors feel welcome.

"We are incredibly proud to partner with Autism Double-Checked, the foremost leader in autism-friendly travel,” says Esteban Velasquez, Chief Executive Officer at Karisma Hotels & Resorts. “This continued collaboration aligns with Karisma's overarching goal of ensuring every guest feels welcome and supported. We feel that the introduction of the Autism Passport marks a significant step forward in our shared commitment to provide an unparalleled stay for all travelers.”

As part of its Autism Double-Checked certification, Karisma staff members have completed ADC’s comprehensive training courses, enabling them to identify and support specific challenges that guests with autism may face during their stay. Karisma’s certified properties have also developed custom visitor guides that highlight property-specific sensory information for neurodiverse guests to use as a resource before and during their stay. The Autism Passport increases the overall benefit of these programs by giving guests an easy and accessible way to share their individual challenges and any accommodations they may require to help the property and staff provide a positive and comfortable visit to all guests.

“Travel with autism is greatly improved by good planning, and individualized information is key to that planning,” said Alan Day, Co-Founder and CEO of Autism Double-Checked. “The Autism Passport is the know before they show component that provides information to hotel staff that will enhance guest experience from arrival to departure. Karisma continues to show remarkable dedication to welcoming guests with autism, so it’s no surprise that they are the first to deploy this important tool.”

ADC was created to prepare the travel industry to better serve guests with autism through industry-focused, job-specific training for all guest-facing staff. ADC’s comprehensive training includes three stages: general basic training for all staff, specific training per department, and the development of a site-specific visitor guide to assist parents, caregivers, and visitors with autism. ADC also assists the autism community to confidently select the travel opportunities that best fit their needs. The autism community in the U.S. consists of between 25 and 35 million people who are eager to travel and are loyal to companies that understand and accommodate their needs. Once a hotel has completed all three phases, it obtains the "Autism Double-Checked" certification, indicating that it is ready, willing, and able to welcome families and guests impacted by autism.

Karisma's commitment to inclusive travel for those with autism is further exemplified by its status as the first hotel group to introduce the Autism Concierge in partnership with Autism Double-Checked. This program allows guests traveling with individuals on the autism spectrum to receive tailored support through a dedicated contact listed in each resort’s visitor guide. Autism Double-Checked-certified Karisma hotels include Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya, Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana, and Margaritaville Island Reserve® Riviera Cancun. Azul Beach Resort in Negril Jamaica and Margaritaville Island Reserve® Riviera Maya are currently undergoing certification and will be fully certified by the end of 2024.

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