Microtel Inns & Suites—the all newly
constructed chain of budget/economy interior corridor hotels—in its
efforts to expand initiatives to better serve travelers with disabilities,
has become a sponsor of The Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality
(SATH). Commented Steve Mydanick, director of corporate affairs for SATH, “We are
excited about Microtel’s dedication to our project and welcome them into
our family of sponsors who recognize the growing importance of the market
for travelers with disabilities.”

Roy E. Flora, senior vice president, franchise operations of U.S.
Franchise Systems, Inc. (USFS), parent company of the franchisor of the
Microtel Inns & Suites brand, said, “Our involvement in this year’s SATH
World Congress had a dramatic, positive impact on our continued commitment
to providing quality accommodations and service to travelers with
disabilities. We look forward to Microtel’s active participation with
SATH.”

Microtel Inns & Suites is committed to addressing the needs of all its
guests, and has made great strides in accommodating travelers with
disabilities. The brand offers three ADA-room designs (single queen,
double queen, and suite) throughout its chain, and a consistency of
services that will fit guests’ needs whether a Microtel is located in New
York or North Carolina. As of March 31, 2004, there were 269 properties
open or under construction worldwide.

In addition, Microtel Inns & Suites is the only budget chain to implement
the training program known as Opening Doors(R) system-wide. Opening
Doors(R), developed by W.C. Duke Associates of Woodford, Va., is a
value-added training tool used to enhance the chain’s customer service
initiatives, so that staff is better able to respond to the needs of
travelers with disabilities by practicing “attitude accessibility.”
Opening Doors(R) emphasizes disability etiquette skills training that
included interactive activities and role playing using wheelchairs,
blindfolds, earplugs and taped hands so employees can practice how to
service customers with disabilities.

Microtel’s web site at http://www.microtelinn.com/ features a special
section dedicated to travelers with disabilities. There is a direct link
from the SATH home page to Microtel’s web site, and a direct link to
Opening Doors(R) and other sites; frequently asked questions and travel
tips, and a virtual tour where visitors can actually view a 360-degree
view of typical Microtel ADA guest rooms and a lobby.

“We believe that Microtel is uniquely positioned to be the preferred hotel
chain for travelers with disabilities,” added Flora.

W.C. Duke Associates is an international leader in showing businesses how
to comply with the human side of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
and realize the importance of customer service training in disability
etiquette. For information, visit http://www.wcduke.com/ .

SATH is a nonprofit educational membership organization. Its mission is to
raise awareness of the needs of all travelers with disabilities, remove
physical and attitudinal barriers to free access, and expand travel
opportunities in the U.S. and abroad. Members include travel
professionals, consumers with disabilities and other individuals and
corporations. For information, visit http://www.sath.org/ .
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