The expansion of Accessible Hospitality Alliance (aha) beyond London reflects broader change underway across hospitality and tourism. What began as a national platform convening operators, designers and suppliers around accessibility has evolved into an international movement examining how accessible guest experience and inclusive employment shape long-term competitiveness.
That evolution is reflected in The aha Mediterranean Forum, in Partnership with VisitMalta Incentives & Meetings, an event underlining Malta’s growing role in the future of tourism, accessibility and inclusion.
HEWI’s decision to step forward as a Founder Sponsor of the forum demonstrates strategic alignment with that shift, recognising that change across the sector is accelerating.
HEWI first engaged with aha during the London forums in 2025, where accessibility moved from abstract discussion to operational practice. Those forums saw operators joining aha membership and appointing Access Champions, tangible signals of change in motion. Since then, HEWI has renewed its commitment to aha forums in London through 2026.
Now, its Founder Sponsor status in Malta extends that engagement across the Mediterranean as part of Accessible Hospitality Alliance’s cohesive international development.
Executives from HEWI’s German headquarters will attend the forum in Malta, joined by Maltese hotelier customers and their local business partner, SATARIANO. Their presence reflects a shared understanding across markets: accessibility is increasingly viewed not as compliance, but as economic resilience.
For almost a century, HEWI has developed architectural hardware and sanitary systems rooted in Universal Design. Its work demonstrates that accessibility and design integrity are not competing priorities. Integrated early, accessibility protects capital investment and supports asset longevity.
As destinations respond to demographic change and evolving traveller expectations, accessibility is becoming part of how boards assess risk, growth and brand relevance.
Jan Ebersold, Regional Sales Director, HEWI, said: “We are looking forward to being present at the inaugural Mediterranean aha Forum in Malta. Over many years, together with our local partner SATARIANO, HEWI has enjoyed productive collaborative work experiences within Malta’s hotel industry. We look forward to working with the aha team to build on this.”
Denis Sheehan, Managing Director of Accessible Hospitality Alliance, commented: “The continued growth of Accessible Hospitality Alliance reflects both economic and human investment in accessibility as a strategic priority.
“Working in Malta alongside our partners and sponsors demonstrates that inclusion is increasingly understood as a driver of long-term commercial competitiveness. HEWI’s Founder Sponsor commitment signals leadership at a time when the sector is redefining what quality and resilience look like.”
The full itinerary for the day and evening can be seen here.
Due to the popularity of the Forum, the event has moved to the Malta Marriott Resort & Spa’s main Ballroom. Tickets to attend the full day including lunch and the early evening drinks and canapés are €100.
Tickets are available by application: Please send an email to agreen@handcnews.com
The aha Mediterranean Forum, in Partnership with VisitMalta Incentives & Meetings, takes place on 18 March at the Malta Marriott Resort & Spa, Balluta Bay, St Julian’s, Malta.
