TUI BLUE has increased its offering in neuro-inclusive travel. Why is this area so important to the hotel brand?
Julia Schwarplies, Global Product Manager TUI Hotels & Resorts: At TUI BLUE, we believe that everyone should be able to enjoy a relaxing and memorable holiday. For some guests, particularly those who are neurodivergent, unfamiliar environments, noise and sensory stimulation can sometimes create additional challenges. We want holidays to reduce stress, not add to it. This is why we are increasingly integrating neuro-inclusion into the guest experience at selected hotels and continue to invest in practical solutions that help guests feel comfortable, understood and supported throughout their stay.
What progress has TUI BLUE made so far?
Julia: Over the last years, we have taken significant steps to make our hotels more inclusive. This includes the introduction of sensory bags in all TUI BLUE Kids Clubs, specialist training for childcare and frontline teams through our partnership with SENNIES, and the opening of dedicated sensory rooms in selected resorts.
This year, TUI BLUE expanded its sensory room concept. What does this involve?
Julia: Following the positive response to our first sensory rooms at TUI BLUE Nausicaa Beach in Cyprus and TUI BLUE Aura in Ibiza, we introduced additional sensory rooms at TUI BLUE Tropical and TUI BLUE Palm Garden in Türkiye, TUI BLUE Bahia Feliz in Spain as well as TUI BLUE Aeneas Resort in Cyprus.
These spaces provide a calm, low-stimulation environment where guests can take a break from busy surroundings, regulate their emotions and simply relax. They feature carefully selected sensory elements such as soft lighting, interactive equipment and quiet zones designed to create a welcoming and reassuring atmosphere.
One of the newest additions is an adults-only sensory space. Why was this important?
Julia: When people think about sensory support, they often focus on children and families. However, neurodivergent adults can face many of the same challenges when travelling. We recognised that some guests were looking for a dedicated space where they could decompress, recharge and enjoy a moment of calm away from the activity of a resort environment. To support this, guests have access to a range of supportive equipment, including weighted blankets, adjustable lighting and music, sensory kits featuring items such as colouring books, and yoga mats.
The introduction of an adults-only sensory room at TUI BLUE Isla Cristina Palace in Spain demonstrates how our understanding of guest needs continues to evolve. By complementing our existing family-focused initiatives with dedicated spaces for adults, we are creating a more inclusive experience across all stages of life.
How has the feedback from neurodivergent guests been so far, and what are the next steps in developing TUI BLUE’s neurodiversity offering?
Julia: The feedback has been very positive. Guests and families have told us that initiatives such as our sensory rooms, sensory bags and specially trained teams have made a real difference to their holiday experience. Many have shared that having access to a calm, dedicated space helps reduce anxiety and provides reassurance that their needs are understood and supported.
More broadly, we will continue working closely with partners, experts and our hotel teams to identify further opportunities to enhance the guest experience. We want people to see that inclusion is not about creating separate experiences. It is about creating better experiences for all guests. By understanding different needs and removing barriers, we can deliver holidays where everyone feels comfortable, supported and able to make lasting memories.
