03 May 2007

British adventurer, Michael McGrath, is flying to Dubai to check out wheelchair access at its tourist attractions, places of interest and hotels in a marathon 24hr period. He will see at first hand whether Dubai is indeed one of the most accessible tourist destinations in the world. His schedule in Dubai is being sponsored by Hilton Hotels.

Michael is particularly well-placed to carry out this challenge because not only is he disABILITY Champion for Hilton Hotels (UK & Ireland) and a specialist consultant to the hospitality industry, he also has the muscle wasting disease, muscular dystrophy and uses a powerchair. He is flying to Dubai to attend both the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC) and the Arabian Travel Market (ATM).

With nearly 700,000 UK visitors in 2005 (up by 13% from the previous year), the UK is now the largest market to Dubai. Hotels in Dubai attracted 6.5 million guests in 2006, versus 6.1 million in 2005.

McGrath says “The thriving business in this region gives hoteliers for example a unique opportunity to develop strategies that address multi-generational needs, wants and desires. They must I believe offer design and amenities that cater to the different needs of ageing consumers who for example have high accessibility requirements (like disabled visitors), as well as younger affluent visitors who in turn have high technology and design expectations”.

To find out more about Michael's trip, take a look at www.musclehelp.com