Tourism Breaking News
Jumeirah Creekside Hotel proudly joins Dubai’s accessibility movement, achieving the notable milestone of becoming the first Jumeirah property to earn the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) status, which awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This achievement underscores the hotel’s unwavering commitment to providing an accessible and inclusive experience for all guests, as the CAC designation is reserved for organizations committed to delivering an elevated guest experience and fostering a welcoming environment for autistic and sensory-sensitive guests and their families.
Andy Cuthbert, general manager of Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, said, “The autism certification holds immense importance for Jumeirah Creekside Hotel. It signifies our continuous effort to create an environment where empathy, understanding, and inclusivity are paramount. It’s about fostering an atmosphere where every guest, including those on the autism spectrum, feels supported and valued throughout their experience.”
Jumeirah Creekside Hotel’s milestone represents a significant achievement in Dubai’s city-wide initiative, led by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), to establish the city as the first Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) in the Eastern Hemisphere. This designation, granted by IBCCES, is reserved for communities offering an array of autism-certified accommodations, leisure, and entertainment options to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for autistic guests, individuals with sensory sensitivities, and their families.
As part of the certification process, hotel staff undergo training on autism and sensory awareness, equipping them with the knowledge to welcome autistic guests to the facility. Additionally, an on-site assessment was conducted to develop sensory guides — a tool designed to enhance the guest experience by providing essential information about specific facilities and locations in the hotel. These guides include details regarding lighting, noise, and other sensory inputs, empowering guests with the information they need before entering these areas.
“Jumeirah Creekside Hotel’s achievement marks a significant step in Dubai’s journey toward becoming a more accessible and inclusive destination. As the inaugural Jumeirah property to receive the Certified Autism Center™ designation, the hotel not only sets a model for others in the city, but also contributes to redefining hospitality standards. We hope this accomplishment will spark inspiration among fellow Jumeirah properties, urging them to join this movement and make meaningful contributions to Dubai’s mission of creating a more accessible and inclusive environment.” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES board chairman.
IBCCES has been the leader in cognitive disorder training and certification for healthcare, education, and corporate professionals around the globe for more than 20 years. IBCCES is the only global credentialing board providing travel and entertainment organizations with training and certification from subject-matter experts and autistic self-advocates, and other resources, as well as long-term support that helps them understand how to better accommodate and assist autistic or sensory-sensitive visitors and their families.
IBCCES also created AutismTravel.com, a free online resource for families that lists certified destinations and connects families to other resources and each other. Each destination listed on the site has met the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) requirements.
