Disabled Travellers Seek More Options, say Holiday Hypermarket

LONDON, October 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

-Survey shows limited access to public places for disabled people in the UK, despite Paralympic success this year-

As of 2011, there were 11 million people who were differently able or living with a disability, long-term illness or impairment in Great Britain. In terms of going on a holiday, a survey has shown that 87 per cent felt that they had been prevented from travelling due to their disabilities.

A number of organisations have spoken up in defence of accessible holidays, which can include cruises, rail holidays, skiing and safari or activity holidays, and even subsidised breaks for the disabled.

Calum Macdonald, E-Commerce Manager at Holiday Hypermarket comments: "There are numerous hotels and self-catering properties that have been checked for access and adapted for use in resorts in the Canary Islands. Skiing in Austria, safaris in Kenya and cruises around the UK are other popular options for those with disabilities."

However, the Tourism for All charity, which conducted the survey, reported that although the majority of respondents were pleased with improved access over the last decade and over a quarter said it was "significantly better", the airports, train stations and tourist attractions in the UK were still not adequately catering for disabled travellers.

Calum Macdonald, continues: "We were excited to cheer on British athletes at the London Paralympics this year, which featured sports like sailing, archery, rowing, cycling and wheelchair tennis.

"It's encouraging that many people feel disabled access and facilities have improved in the previous decade. We endeavour to make travellers feel comfortable and able to visit the destinations they like, from the moment they leave the airport in the UK to their rural, luxurious or historical escapes.

"We hope to see improvements continue to the extent that the majority of differently abled people in Great Britain feel comfortable enough to travel on a regular basis."

About Holiday Hypermarket:

Holiday Hypermarket (http://www.holidayhypermarket.co.uk/) is a UK based holiday comparison community. We are passionate about helping people in the UK explore, learn and enjoy the world by removing the obstacles that keep them from getting the most out of their holidays. We do this by providing a completely independent travel comparison site that allows you to effortlessly find the best deals with the assistance of a knowledgeable community of fellow travellers who love to share travel advice.

With Holiday Hypermarket you have access to a huge number of travel suppliers which will help you put together flexible, restriction free, itineraries. This, combined with our excellent customer service and vibrant online community, makes Holiday Hypermarket a great place to start exploring the world.