PRESS RELEASE BY THE OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTRY FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TOURISM Tourism workers complete training in inclusive practices for blind and low vision persons

The Malta Visual Non-Visual Network, in collaboration with the Malta Tourism Authority, is offering training programmes for tourism and hospitality workers, to help create inclusive tourism and catering experiences for blind and low vision persons.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Ian Borg, presented training certificates to the staff at ME Melia, in St Julian's, one of the first hotels to provide this training to its employees, alongside The Preluna Hotel, in Sliema, and Euro Club Hotel, in Qawra. 

Visual Non-Visual Network (VNVN) is a voluntary organisation committed to raising awareness about inclusion for people who are blind or have low vision. With the support of the Malta Tourism Authority, this organisation is coordinating the “Meet and Greet Compliments" project, comprising training to employees of the tourism and hospitality industry. During these sessions, workers engage with VNVN members, to learn how to welcome and assist patrons who are blind or have low vision, with practical tips such as providing vivid descriptions, using tactile maps and room markers, and other accessibility features.

Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg commended VNVN and the MTA for this collaboration, as he thanked the businesses who are joining this initiative. “Within this training environment, VNVN members and hospitality employees can better understand each other, as they identify tangible improvements to make their establishments more inclusive – making sure that residents and tourists who are blind or have low vision can truly feel welcome in our hotels and catering establishments."

The international secretary of the VNVN, Bridget Micallef, thanked the hotels that are providing this training to their employees. “When blind persons enter a hotel or restaurant, we expect to find staff who respect us and make our experience safe, comfortable and enjoyable. For example, certain dining options, such as self-service, are not always suitable for us, and we would need additional assistance."

VNVN also offers similar training session to workers across other areas, including retail, transport, healthcare, religious spaces, and banking, explained the organisation's founder, Noel Farrugia. “Through the Meet and Greet Compliments initiative, persons who are blind or have low vision can actively contribute to a more inclusive society – in this case, helping them find greater support when visiting hotels or other similar establishments," he said.

Paceville Town Centre Management Chairman, Philip Fenech, welcomed this initiative, as it is augmenting service excellence, empowering the industry to adequately cater for the specific needs of persons with disabilities.

During the event, Deputy Prime Minister Borg also presented a gift to Lee Abela, one of the youngest active members of the Visual Non-Visual Network, who is also participating in the training sessions.

For more information on the Meet and Greet Compliments initiative and the Visual Non-Visual Network, email info@visualnonvisualnetowrk.org