'Lone Traveller' Initiative from Expotel to Replace 'Women Aware'; 'Female-centric Approach Outdated'

Mar 12, 10 | 1:56 am

A Lone Traveller initiative, believed to be an industry first, has been launched by Expotel, the UK's largest booker of hotels. Formerly branded ‘Women Aware', the non-gender-specific programme is intended to emphasise the potential for hotels to contribute to the personal safety and comfort of all of their solo guests in an increasingly hostile society.

Comments Expotel ceo Ian Burnley, ‘A ‘female-centric' approach is outdated. In an ever more confrontational world, the vulnerability of the lone traveller is certainly no longer determined by gender. Any characteristics that make an individual conspicuous, whether because of status, possessions, beliefs or even lifestyle choice, may give rise to greater anxiety when alone in an unfamiliar environment. As an example, it is now not unusual for gentleman VIPs whose travel is arranged by Expotel to request a low-key ‘no-profile' welcome - the opposite of the traditional desire for recognition.

‘Plus of course there is growing pressure for organisations to acknowledge and fulfil their ‘duty of care' to travelling employees by providing appropriate accommodation.

‘In the coming weeks Expotel will be recruiting an advisory ‘panel' of male and female executive travellers whose insights will help hotels more accurately meet the demands of today's solo traveller. Also planned for this year is the introduction of a ‘Lone Traveller' award to help further distinguish the most proactive hotels.'

As an extension of previous requirements such as well-lit public areas and parking, bedroom spy-holes and staff discretion at reception, among new criteria for hotels to be included in the Lone Traveller programme are: a ‘preferred' relationship with a taxi company; mobile ‘phone chargers to borrow; provision of information about ‘no-go' areas locally as well as list of restaurants nearby; enhanced room service and free WiFi.

Note to editors: Expotel is the largest booker of hotels in the UK, each year placing more than one million bednights in the UK and overseas. www.expotel.com

More information:
Charlotte Martins
PR for Expotel
T. 07968 316576
E. charlotte@thesavvyconsultancy.com.