In a significant step for inclusive travel, the Radisson Blu Resort Lanzarote has officially been certified as an autism-friendly hotel, becoming one of the first properties in Spain to receive the distinction.
The certification, granted by the Autism Friendly World initiative and endorsed by Spain’s Asociación Mi Hijo y Yo, marks a key milestone in promoting accessible and considerate hospitality for neurodiverse travellers.
The certification confirms that the four-star resort, located in Costa Teguise on Lanzarote’s east coast, has successfully implemented a series of practical adaptations to better accommodate guests with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These include sensory-friendly zones, staff training in neurodiverse needs, quiet dining options, visual communication aids, and detailed pre-arrival information to reduce anxiety and support planning.
For business travellers with family responsibilities or for delegates with ASD attending conferences or incentive events, the hotel’s commitment offers a meaningful step toward more inclusive travel infrastructure.
In an era when diversity and inclusion are becoming integral to corporate policy, the move is likely to be welcomed by organisations with employee travel programmes and by business event planners seeking more inclusive destinations.
The World Health Organization estimates that one in 100 children worldwide has autism, with a growing recognition of the need for adjustments in public and hospitality settings. The neurodiversity movement has also gained traction in corporate circles, with UK employers increasingly recognising the value of neurodiverse teams and inclusive environments.
The Radisson Hotel Group has made inclusivity a pillar of its hospitality ethos, with the Lanzarote property now serving as a blueprint for other resorts within the portfolio. The group has committed to expanding similar initiatives to additional resorts in Spain and beyond.
Speaking about the certification, the hotel’s General Manager, Jonay de la Rosa, said: “We’re proud to be at the forefront of inclusive hospitality in the Canary Islands. Our autism-friendly certification reflects not only changes in facilities and staff training but a deeper cultural shift in how we welcome every guest. For travellers with autism or those travelling with neurodiverse family members, this initiative ensures a more relaxed, supportive experience from the moment they arrive.”
The resort now offers visual guides in advance of arrival to help guests familiarise themselves with the property layout and key sensory triggers. Check-in procedures can be adjusted for guests who prefer reduced noise and interaction, while mealtimes can be pre-booked in quieter restaurant sections.
Rooms have also been adapted to reduce visual clutter, with lighting and temperature controls clearly labelled. In public areas, signage uses pictograms and plain language to support wayfinding. The staff undergo continuous training led by autism specialists, equipping them with tools to communicate effectively and respectfully with neurodiverse guests.
For business travellers and delegates attending events in Lanzarote, the Radisson Blu Resort also features modern conference and co-working facilities, beachfront access, wellness services, and easy connections to Arrecife airport just 15 minutes away. The combination of professional-grade infrastructure with enhanced accessibility is likely to appeal to both leisure and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) audiences.
The development forms part of a broader trend in the travel industry toward inclusive design and accessibility. With business travel returning to pre-pandemic levels, many corporate travel managers are now prioritising suppliers who can demonstrate ESG credentials and inclusive practices—not only in sustainability but in guest experience.
The certification also aligns with Lanzarote’s wider commitment to accessible tourism. The Canary Islands have seen strong investment in inclusive infrastructure across beaches, transport, and accommodation.