MIAMI — Karisma Hotels & Resorts has introduced a special new offering: the world’s first-ever Autism Concierge.

Guests travelling with a child with autism, or adult guests with autism, are encouraged to ask about specific needs by reaching out to the concierge contact found within the resort’s visitor guide. The Autism Concierge can be reached at autism_concierge@karismahotels.com.

“We continually work to exceed our guests’ expectations by adapting ourselves to their needs,” said Daniel Lozano, Vice President of Operations at Karisma Hotels & Resorts. “In addition to ongoing training, this added resource will assure guests that we take their concerns seriously and that we want them to feel at home at our resorts.”

The Autism Concierge serves as an extension of the Autism Double-Checked three-part training program. Every member of the Karisma Hotels & Resorts staff has completed a number of Autism Double-Checked courses in ‘Assisting Guests with Autism,’ and all staff who are in contact with guests have been trained in the specific situations that guests with autism may face during their stay.

Autism Double-Checked was created to prepare the travel industry to better serve guests with autism through industry-specific and job-specific training for all public-facing staff. 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. Once a hotel has completed all three phases, it obtains the ‘Autism Double-Checked’ Certificate, indicating that it is ready, willing and able to welcome families and guests impacted by autism.

“Inclusion is only possible if you truly understand the population you wish to include,” said Autism Double-Checked Co-Founder and CEO Alan Day. “It takes specialized training to understand and address the specific needs of travellers with autism, and we’re proud to help bring understanding and compassion to our travel industry partners.”

Staff at the following properties have completed the more intensive stage of training that allows them to be certified as Autism Double-Checked: In Mexico, Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya, Margaritaville Beach Resort Riviera Cancún, Azul Beach Resort Riviera Cancún, Generations Riviera Maya, El Dorado Royale, El Dorado Casitas Royale, El Dorado Maroma, El Dorado Seaside Suites, and Palafitos Overwater Bungalows; and in the Dominican Republic, Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana and Margaritaville Beach Resort Cap Cana.

In 2023, Karisma Hotels & Resorts also plans to introduce temporary door alarms (available to guests upon request), which will give guests added peace of mind knowing their loved ones are safe and secure. 

For more information go to https://www.karismahotels.com/autismdoublechecked or email the Autism Concierge directly at autism_concierge@karismahotels.com.