CASE STUDY:
BUILDING AN AUTISM-FRIENDLY EXPERIENCE AT DELTA HOTELS
PHOENIX MESA
CLIENT: Delta Hotels Phoenix Mesa by Marriott
MISSION: To establish Delta Hotels Phoenix Mesa as a top choice for autism-friendly accommodations and events by promoting their IBCCES Autism Certification and emphasizing their on-property amenities designed for children with autism.
Overview:
Delta Hotels Phoenix Mesa by Marriott, located in the heart of Mesa, Arizona, is dedicated to delivering exceptional hospitality with a strong focus on inclusivity for all guests. In its effort to create a more welcoming environment, the hotel achieved IBCCES Autism Certification and partnered with CTA Media to implement their Travel Inclusivity Program. This program is designed to assist businesses in enhancing their autism offerings, helping them become more inclusive and accessible to guests with diverse needs. By integrating this program, the hotel aims to improve its services, making it a more inclusive destination for all travelers and reinforcing its commitment to providing a welcoming experience for everyone.
The Challenge:
Despite having a clean and user-friendly website and active social media channels, Delta Hotels Phoenix Mesa had limited visibility regarding its inclusivity practices for guests with autism.
Key gaps included:
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Website: No dedicated content highlighting autism-friendly accommodations or services.
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Social Media: Lack of posts showcasing inclusivity efforts or partnerships with the autism community.
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Community Engagement: Minimal promotion of collaborations with local organizations supporting individuals with autism.
These gaps limited the hotel’s ability to attract families and individuals within the autism community.
CTA Media's Approach
CTA Media developed a comprehensive strategy to address these challenges through the following deliverables:
Website Enhancements
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Inclusivity Section: CTA Media recommended adding a dedicated section to highlight autism-friendly services, including IBCCES Certified Autism Center designation, sensory support tools, and autism lanyards.
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Testimonials and Visual Content: Suggested featuring guest testimonials and imagery showcasing the hotel’s autism-friendly accommodations.
Social Media Strategy
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Targeted Content: Created a strategy to promote inclusivity using hashtags like #AutismTravel, #InclusionMatters, and #VisitMesa.
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Behind-the-Scenes Posts: Recommended showcasing staff training sessions, sensory-friendly spaces, and community partnerships.
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Engagement Campaigns: Proposed campaigns to highlight collaborations with local schools and autism-focused events.
Community Engagement
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Local Partnerships: Encouraged the hotel to strengthen ties with schools and organizations supporting autism initiatives.
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Events: Recommended hosting autism-friendly events and offering tailored event packages.
Marketing Materials
Developed a range of materials to support inclusivity efforts:
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“Mesa Welcomes You: An Autism-Friendly Stay at Delta Hotels Phoenix Mesa” Guide
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Casein-Free Diet Quick Start Guide
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List of Items for Sensory Room
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Autism-Friendly Event & Stay Package Options
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Social Story for Staying at Delta Hotels
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Press Release to announce inclusivity initiatives (pending confirmation)
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Social Media Strategy, Content Calendar, Inclusivity Hashtags, and Copy
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SEO Inclusivity Keywords
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Photo Ideas for Onsite Photoshoot
Looking Ahead - Tangible Results
Delta Hotels Phoenix Mesa is poised to set a new standard in accessible hospitality by embracing inclusivity at every level. By implementing CTA Media’s recommendations, the hotel can achieve measurable outcomes:
Increased Bookings: Attract families and individuals within the autism community by showcasing tailored accommodations and autism-friendly amenities.
Stronger Community Ties: Foster deeper connections with local organizations and schools through impactful partnerships, events, and initiatives that support the autism community.
Enhanced Reputation: Solidify its standing as a premier destination for inclusive travel, earning recognition as a leader in autism-friendly hospitality.
Positive Guest Experiences: Build trust and loyalty by creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all guests, translating into glowing testimonials and repeat visits.
“At Visit Mesa, we’re committed to making Mesa a truly inclusive destination for all travelers, and our partnership with CTA Media has been instrumental in achieving this vision. From helping local businesses showcase their IBCCES certification to brainstorming innovative ways to expand inclusivity for individuals on the autism spectrum, CTA Media has consistently delivered creative, actionable solutions.
Their expertise has made a tangible impact across our community, from developing sensory-friendly dining guides to crafting autism-specific social stories for local attractions. The work they’ve done with Delta Hotels Phoenix Mesa exemplifies this collaborative spirit, bringing new life to the hotel’s inclusivity offerings and helping position it as a premier autism-friendly destination.
CTA Media’s dedication to elevating inclusivity in Mesa not only strengthens our tourism industry but also underscores our city’s commitment to welcoming everyone. We’re proud to work with such a visionary team and look forward to continuing this important partnership.”
Alison Brooks
Vice President, Marketing & Destination Experience, Visit Mesa
Join the inclusivity movement—create spaces where everyone belongs.
Start with CTA Media’s Travel Inclusivity Program today!