Hilton South Asia joins the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme to Champion Inclusive Hospitality
Reinforcing its commitment to creating welcoming experiences for every guest, Hilton South Asia hotels have joined the globally recognised Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, strengthening Hilton's ongoing efforts to make hospitality more inclusive for people living with non-visible disabilities.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is an internationally recognised symbol that enables individuals with non-visible disabilities, conditions, or neurodivergence to discreetly indicate that they may require additional support, understanding, patience, or time while navigating public spaces. Through this initiative, the hotels aim to foster an environment where every guest feels respected, understood, and empowered to travel with confidence.
As part of the programme, all front-of-house team members at both hotels have completed specialised Hidden Disabilities Sunflower training. Trained associates will wear Sunflower Supporter badges, signifying their readiness to provide thoughtful assistance whenever required. Guests and team members who choose to participate may wear the iconic green Sunflower lanyard, allowing them to communicate their need for additional support without explaining their disability.
Exceptional service
The initiative reflects Hilton's belief that genuine hospitality extends beyond exceptional service to creating spaces where everyone feels welcome. By equipping team members with greater awareness and understanding of non-visible disabilities, the hotels are taking meaningful steps towards delivering more empathetic and accessible guest experiences.
Shyam Kumar, General Manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Bengaluru Whitefield and South Asia Champion – Abilities Team Member Resource Group (ATMRG), added:
"The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme is an important step in creating environments where every guest and team member feels acknowledged, supported, and valued. Through awareness, education, and empathy, we can make everyday interactions more comfortable and inclusive for individuals with non-visible disabilities. At Hilton, we believe hospitality is about making everyone feel welcome, and the Sunflower reinforces that commitment."
Sujeet Kumar, Cluster General Manager, Hilton & Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park, said:
"We are happy to become a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower member and further strengthen our commitment to creating an inclusive environment for every guest. This collaboration reflects our belief that hospitality begins with understanding, empathy, and respect. The Sunflower programme provides a simple yet meaningful way for individuals with non-visible disabilities to discreetly communicate that they may need additional support, helping us deliver a more thoughtful and accessible guest experience."
Equity and inclusion
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is voluntary and confidential. It does not influence the level of service provided or employment decisions. Instead, it serves as a simple yet powerful reminder that not all disabilities are visible and that small acts of understanding can make a significant difference.
Paul White, CEO of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, said:
"Welcoming Hilton Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park and Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park in India to the global Sunflower programme gives confidence to visitors worldwide that if they or someone in their party has a non-visible disability, staff will greet them with an offer of help, kindness and understanding. Sunflower training provides guidance and reassurance to ensure the hotels achieve their objective to support accessible travel and additionally ensure colleagues enjoy an inclusive workspace."
The launch forms part of Hilton's broader commitment to disability inclusion through its Abilities Team Member Resource Group (ATMRG), which works to foster accessible workplaces and inclusive guest experiences across the organisation. By adopting the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, Hilton hotels continue to build on Hilton's purpose of filling the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality—ensuring every guest feels seen, respected, and cared for.