#USA #Fort Lauderdale #Accessibility #Special Needs Group #Avoya Travel

Special Needs Group Honors Avoya Travel

On January 23, 2025, Special Needs Group® / Special Needs at Sea® proudly announced Avoya Travel® as the recipient of its prestigious 2024 Power Partner of the Year award. This recognition is a testament to Avoya's remarkable commitment to promoting accessible travel, particularly through its certification initiatives for SNG Certified Accessible Travel Advocates (CATA®).

Commitment to Accessible Travel

Special Needs Group, known for being a global leader in providing wheelchair, scooter, and oxygen rentals among other equipment for special needs, emphasizes the importance of accessibility in the tourism industry. The Power Partner award celebrates those who truly embody dedication to accessible travel and have effectively trained travel professionals via the CATA program.

Andrew Garnett, the CEO and founder of Special Needs Group, noted that Avoya has exceeded expectations in fostering partnerships that prioritize accessibility. “Avoya has gone above and beyond the spirit of partnership,” said Garnett. “Thanks to their unwavering commitment, we are proud to now have over 8,000 travel professionals who have participated in our CATA program, equipping them to serve the constantly growing accessible travel market.”

The Impact of the CATA Program

The CATA program is pivotal in ensuring travel professionals possess the essential knowledge to assist individuals with special needs effectively. By completing a series of courses, agents gain the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of accessible travel options. This certification involves an online syllabus and mandatory testing, ensuring that participants are well-prepared to meet the diverse needs of clients requiring mobility assistance.

Past recipients of the award have included notable names such as Cruise Planners and Celebrity Cruises, highlighting how pivotal relationships in the travel industry are shaped around enhancing service for all travelers.

Steve Hirshan, Senior Vice President of Sales at Avoya, expressed pride in their recognition, stating, “We are honored to be named Special Needs Group's 2024 Power Partner for our dedication to certifying travel advisors through the CATA program.” Avoya believes that enhancing travel advisors' knowledge can lead to better experiences for clients, especially in the increasingly important niche of accessible travel.

Moving Towards an Accessible Future

The journey towards an inclusive travel industry continues to unfold, with Special Needs Group paving the way for accessible solutions. With operations in over 217 metropolitan areas around the world, they offer unmatched rental services for special needs equipment and are endorsed by various major cruise lines for their exceptional service.

As travel continues to evolve post-pandemic, the importance of preparing travel professionals to cater to a broader clientele cannot be overstated. SNG’s commitment to accessible travel through their CATA program not only boosts the industry’s responsiveness to special needs but also enriches the travel experiences of those who may otherwise feel limited by their circumstances.

For more information about the Special Needs Group and the CATA certification, agents and companies can visit Special Needs Group to view the resources available to them.

Together, Special Needs Group and Avoya Travel are taking steps towards a more inclusive world, making travel accessible for all.