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| Accessible Accommodation Founder Kerry Williams & Quest Springfield Central Owner Luke Frederick |
As 4.4 million Australians live with a disability, the demand for accessible and inclusive travel options has never been greater. Quest’s commitment to this cause not only ensures that travellers with disabilities can book with confidence, but also represents a significant step towards creating a more equitable and welcoming travel landscape for all.
A Groundbreaking Accreditation System
Quest Apartment Hotels is the first major accommodation provider in Australia to adopt Accessible Accommodation’s three-tiered rating system, which is now recognised as a key benchmark in the tourism sector. This accreditation system, utilised by the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse, enables prospective guests to assess a property’s accessibility with ease, empowering them to make informed decisions when booking their stays.
Each accredited Quest property prominently displays its accessibility seal on the rooms available for booking, allowing guests to quickly identify accessible options. This move makes the booking process significantly easier for those with specific needs, enhancing transparency and ensuring that everyone has access to reliable information.
The importance of this initiative cannot be overstated. By implementing this accreditation, Quest is not only setting a high standard for inclusivity within the tourism industry but also leading the charge to address a major gap in accessible travel options across the country.
Award-Winning Collaboration
Quest’s commitment to accessible travel has been recognised with the prestigious Innovative Collaboration Award at the 2024 HM Awards, a highly regarded event in the Australian hospitality industry. This accolade celebrates Quest’s partnership with Accessible Accommodation—a collaboration that has proven to be a game-changer for inclusive travel in Australia.
The partnership has seen Quest go beyond basic compliance with accessibility standards, elevating its offerings to ensure that all guests feel truly welcomed and valued. Through this collaboration, Quest has worked tirelessly to implement new features and make its accommodations more inclusive, modern, and comfortable for guests with diverse accessibility needs.
Real-World Impact: Increasing Accessible Room Occupancy
For Quest Springfield Central owner Luke Frederick, the impact of going beyond compliance has been clear. "Accessible room occupancy has increased by nearly 50% this year," says Frederick, reflecting on the positive changes made at his property. "It’s important to us because we believe everyone should be welcomed equally. Having the ability to offer accessible accommodation and provide options to suit our guests’ needs is fantastic for our property, while creating an effortless stay is at the heart of what we’re about at Quest Springfield Central."
This shift in focus, from mere compliance to active inclusivity, is not only beneficial to guests but also makes strong business sense. As more people with disabilities and their families look for travel options that cater to their needs, Quest has positioned itself as a forward-thinking leader in the hospitality sector.
Setting New Standards in Accessibility
Quest’s dedication to inclusivity is particularly evident in its Victorian property, Quest Burwood East, which became the first non-boutique operator in Australia to receive a Tier-3 accreditation, the highest level of accessibility rating. The Tier-3 rating indicates that the room is equipped with features designed to support people with high-level mobility needs, such as a Hi-Lo Electric Bed and a hoist, ensuring that guests can enjoy their stay with maximum comfort and dignity.
Accessible Accommodation Founder Kerry Williams praises Quest for its ongoing efforts to meet the needs of the growing community of travellers with accessibility requirements. "We created this accreditation system so guests with accessibility needs can find peace of mind when booking their stay. When a hotel displays our Accreditation Seal, it signals that their accessible features have been thoroughly vetted by accessibility experts, eliminating anxiety that many of our followers experienced in the past," says Williams.
A Commitment to Empowerment and Independence
For Quest, accessibility is about more than just meeting minimum standards—it's about creating a travel experience that empowers guests, fosters independence, and upholds dignity. Anthea Dimitrakopoulos, Quest’s GM of Brand and ESG, explains that their ongoing partnership with Accessible Accommodation is a reflection of Quest’s long-standing commitment to improving accessibility across their network.
"Accessibility is not just about meeting standards; it’s about opening doors—both literally and figuratively—to experiences, independence, and dignity for everyone," says Dimitrakopoulos. "At Quest, we believe that travel should be an inclusive journey that empowers individuals and strengthens communities. Our commitment to providing accessible accommodation ensures that no one is left behind and every guest feels truly welcomed and valued."
Business and Social Impact
The appetite for accessible accommodation has been growing steadily, and Quest has embraced the opportunity to meet this demand head-on. Franchise owners across the network are increasingly recognising the social impact of providing inclusive options, alongside the business potential it offers.
Dimitrakopoulos highlights the excitement among Quest’s franchise partners to integrate accessible features into their properties: "There’s a tremendous appetite among our Franchise Partners to accommodate greater accessibility in their properties. They recognise not only the social impact but also the business potential in meeting the needs of this growing market. We’re proud to support our franchised Business Owners with resources, training, and actionable steps to deliver meaningful improvements to inclusive travel."
Looking Ahead
With 86 accredited properties and more expected to follow suit, Quest Apartment Hotels is shaping the future of accessible travel in Australia. This initiative is a crucial step in making travel more inclusive for all Australians, ensuring that those living with disabilities have the freedom to explore, experience, and enjoy their journeys just like anyone else.
For more information about Quest Apartment Hotels and its commitment to accessible travel, visit the Quest website or learn more about the Accessible Accommodation Accreditation System.
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