inclusion & diversity
At The Viking Hotel Waterford
Autism friendly hotel
At Viking Hotel Waterford, we are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all our guests. Our dedication to diversity and inclusion is reflected in our comprehensive support and accommodations, particularly for individuals with autism and other disabilities.
Waterford: An Autism-Friendly Town
We are thrilled to be part of Waterford, which has been officially awarded the status of an autism-friendly town by the “As I Am” organisation. Viking Hotel Waterford has proudly been named an autism-friendly business, reinforcing our commitment to providing a supportive environment for individuals with autism and their families. More information about this initiative can be found at Autism Friendly Waterford.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program
In line with our dedication to supporting individuals with hidden disabilities, we have partnered with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. This initiative helps us recognize and better assist guests who may have non-visible disabilities, ensuring they receive the understanding and support they need during their stay. Learn more about this initiative at Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.
Sensory Space
We are proud to offer a specially designed Sensory Space equipped with a variety of toys and activities aimed at providing a calming and engaging environment for children with autism and sensory processing needs. This space is designed to help our young guests feel comfortable and at ease, allowing families to relax and enjoy their stay.
Awards and Recognition
Our efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion have been recognised by our parent company PREM Group, who awarded us for our commitment to creating an inclusive environment in 2024. We were proud to take home the special recognition award for ‘Diversity and Inclusion’ at the 2024 PREM Ovation awards. This accolade is a testament to our continuous efforts to support and welcome guests of all abilities.
Partnerships and Employment Initiatives
Viking Hotel Waterford works closely with the Rehab Group Waterford and Down Syndrome Ireland to offer an enriching work experience program. This program operates on an 8-week rotation, providing individuals with disabilities the opportunity to gain valuable pre-employment skills. Our commitment to this initiative has resulted in several participants being offered part-time employment at our hotel, fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace.
We are proud of our efforts and continue to strive towards greater inclusivity and support for all our guests and team members. At Viking Hotel Waterford, everyone is welcome, and we are dedicated to making your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
