TUI launches sensory rooms to make family holidays more inclusive

What are sensory rooms, and why do they matter?

Sensory rooms are carefully designed spaces that offer a low-stimulation environment, helping children who may feel overwhelmed by unfamiliar surroundings.

These rooms feature soft lighting, interactive sensory equipment, and quiet zones, giving children a place to regulate their emotions and reduce anxiety.

For parents of neurodivergent children, whether autistic or with sensory processing difficulties, this could mean the difference between a holiday filled with stress and one where the whole family can relax and enjoy themselves.

Where will TUI’s sensory rooms be available?

TUI’s sensory rooms will launch this summer in two family-friendly resorts:

• TUI BLUE Nausicaa Beach, Cyprus – opening 15 April
• TUI BLUE Aura, Ibiza– opening 1 May

These hotels are already known for catering to families, but the introduction of sensory rooms takes their inclusivity a step further.

Additional support for neurodiverse families

Beyond the sensory rooms, TUI is also enhancing its approach to neurodiverse-friendly holidays in several ways:

• Staff training – Frontline staff at both hotels will receive enhanced neurodiversity awareness training to better support families.
• Kids’ club adjustments – TUI’s kids’ clubs will introduce ‘Now and Next’ boards, helping children understand the schedule of activities, along with revised communication cards to allow non-verbal children to express their needs more easily.

According to Louise Bates, Director of Brands & Product at TUI Hotels & Resorts, these new initiatives reflect the company’s commitment to accessibility.

Overstimulating environments can be challenging, so we are taking steps to make our hotels more inclusive. This is just the beginning as we work towards becoming the most neuro-friendly travel company possible.

Why this matters for families

For many parents, the unpredictability of travel can be daunting. A 2019 survey by Autism Travel found that 87% of families with an autistic child don’t take holidays because it’s too difficult to manage their child’s needs in an unfamiliar setting. However, 93% said they would travel if autism-friendly options were available.

Dawn Barclay, author of Traveling Different: Vacation Strategies for Parents of the Anxious, the Inflexible, and the Neurodiverse, explains that small changes like sensory-friendly spaces and clear routines can make all the difference:

Many neurodivergent children thrive on predictability. Giving them a space to decompress, along with structured schedules, can make holidays a much more positive experience

Practical travel tips for neurodiverse families

If you’re planning a holiday with a neurodivergent child, consider these expert-backed tips to make your trip smoother:

• Pack familiar items – Bring sensory-friendly objects such as noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys, or a favourite blanket to help with comfort.
• Maintain a routine – Use visual schedules or write out the plan for the day to help children understand what to expect.
• Choose the right accommodation – Look for hotels that offer quiet zones, sensory-friendly activities, or trained staff who understand neurodiversity.
• Have a backup plan – Always have an alternative activity or quiet space in mind in case your child needs to step away from a situation.

TUI’s new sensory rooms mark an important step toward making family holidays more accessible. While these initiatives are launching in only two locations for now, they signal a growing awareness in the travel industry of the need for inclusive, stress-free experiences.

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