Partnership with AccessAble
A major focus of the event was the partnership between Visit England and AccessAble.
AccessAble’s detailed access guides help visitors with disabilities determine if a location suits their needs, supporting inclusivity across the UK.
Together, Visit England and AccessAble are offering match-funding for businesses to book Guided Assessments for just £1 + VAT. This offer applies to small businesses like shops, cafés, guest houses, and visitor attractions. The funding is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. For those not eligible for this, discounts of 50-75% are available through Visit England, with significant savings for independent businesses.
Key stats
• 98% of disabled people seek accessibility information before visiting a place for the first time.
• 75% of disabled people will not visit a new location if the necessary accessibility information is unavailable.
• There are 16 million disabled people and 4.9 million carers in the UK.
Understanding the full spectrum of disability
Beyond the practical side of accessibility, the event stressed the need for businesses to be educated on the full spectrum of disabilities. The discussions went beyond physical adaptations, covering sensory-friendly environments and the importance of colour contrast, signage, and other often-overlooked elements. These factors can make a significant difference in creating an inclusive experience for visitors with disabilities.
A realistic approach to accessibility
A key message throughout the day was the realistic approach that businesses should take when improving accessibility. As one speaker put it, “You can’t do it all, so let the people decide.” Rather than feeling overwhelmed, businesses were encouraged to prioritise changes based on visitor feedback and the specific needs of their clientele. Incremental improvements are crucial, and businesses don’t have to tackle everything at once to make a positive impact.
The value of the “Purple Pound”
Another important takeaway was the value of the Tourism “Purple Pound”—the amount contributed annually to England’s tourism economy by disabled people and their travelling companions, estimated at £14.6 billion annually in the UK. This figure underscored that making spaces accessible isn’t just a social responsibility but also a significant economic opportunity. Businesses that embrace accessibility can tap into this market, offering a substantial boost to their bottom line.
Conclusion : Businesses are not alone
This event highlighted that while there’s still progress to be made in achieving full accessibility across tourism and hospitality, initiatives like these are setting the course. Support is available to help businesses navigate these changes. With practical tools, thoughtful strategies, and a focus on both social and economic benefits, the future of accessible tourism is bright.
Banner Image : Ashridge House, 2024 · Photo © The Thomas-Ferdinand Gallery
