What's Happening?
The Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence has partnered with Dominican Republic tour operator Xploratur to launch 'Xploratur Access,' a new division focused on accessible excursions for the cruise market. This initiative follows a specialized training session
conducted by Aquila in Puerto Plata, aimed at equipping tour guides, drivers, and office staff with skills to deliver inclusive experiences. The training, titled 'Excellence for All: Diversity and Inclusion in the Visitor Experience,' emphasized diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in tourism. Aquila's Director of Impact, Development, and Growth, Ambra Attus, praised Xploratur for its commitment to raising service standards and enhancing the destination's global competitiveness. The partnership reflects Aquila's 'people-first' philosophy, focusing on the importance of human interaction in tourism.
Why It's Important?
This partnership is significant as it addresses the growing demand for inclusive tourism experiences, particularly in the cruise industry. By focusing on accessibility, Xploratur and Aquila are setting a precedent for other tour operators to follow, potentially influencing industry standards. This initiative not only enhances the Dominican Republic's appeal as a tourist destination but also aligns with global trends towards more inclusive and diverse travel experiences. The training provided by Aquila ensures that the staff is well-prepared to meet the needs of a diverse clientele, which can lead to increased customer satisfaction and repeat business.
What's Next?
Xploratur plans to continue integrating the best practices learned from Aquila's training into their operations. This includes ongoing enhancements to the guest experience and further development of accessible tourism products. As the exclusive training partner of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association, Aquila will likely continue to support Xploratur and other partners in similar initiatives, potentially expanding the reach of inclusive tourism practices across the Caribbean and beyond.
