Accessible Hospitality Alliance (aha) has confirmed the appointment of Claire and Steve Welsh as Access Champions for Holistic Thinking Holidays, formally recognising the leadership they bring to advancing accessibility within the specialist holiday accommodation sector.
Holistic Thinking Holidays was founded by the couple with a clear purpose: to transform holiday experiences for people living with disabilities and complex mobility challenges. Through their growing portfolio of accessible holiday homes across England and Wales, they have demonstrated how thoughtful design and lived understanding can remove barriers that too often prevent families from travelling with confidence.
Claire Welsh brings more than three decades of experience as a Paediatric Occupational Therapist, alongside her work as an Expert Witness and Case Manager. Her professional career has been shaped by supporting individuals and families navigating complex disability needs, giving her a unique insight into the practical realities of accessibility.
Steve Welsh, who joined the business following a successful career in electronic manufacturing, oversees operations and has played a central role in translating Claire’s vision into a scalable and sustainable model.
Together they now manage thirteen accessible holiday homes stretching from Berwick-upon-Tweed to Newquay. All properties are equipped with ceiling hoists, representing a significant proportion of the UK’s specialist accessible holiday accommodation provision.
Their appointment as Access Champions recognises not only their operational leadership, but their commitment to sharing knowledge and helping shape wider industry progress. Through the role, they will contribute their practical experience to aha’s growing community of operators working to embed accessibility as a core standard of modern hospitality.
Robin Sheppard, Co-Founder of Accessible Hospitality Alliance, welcomed the appointments, saying: “Claire and Steve embody exactly what Access Champions represent. Their work is grounded in lived understanding, practical experience, and a determination to remove barriers that many families still face when planning a break.
“What they have built demonstrates how accessibility, when approached with insight and intent, creates genuine freedom for guests while strengthening the hospitality offer. We are delighted to see them take on this role within the aha community.”
Commenting on their appointment, Claire and Steve Welsh said: “Our journey has always been about enabling families to enjoy the simple but vital experience of taking a break together. Being part of the aha community connects us with others who share that determination to remove barriers across hospitality.
“We are honoured to take on the role of Access Champions and look forward to contributing our experience to help drive meaningful progress.”
Their appointment reflects aha’s continued focus on identifying and empowering individuals within member organisations who actively lead accessibility in practice, ensuring progress is driven not by policy alone, but by people.