The UK aims to become Europe’s most accessible tourism destination, and Visit West is committed to playing a part in achieving this ambition. We are dedicated to driving accessibility across the regional visitor economy, celebrating quality, inclusivity, and a welcoming environment for all visitors.
One in five people in the UK have an impairment, which may affect where they choose to stay or visit. This makes Accessible Tourism a huge and growing market.
People with health conditions and impairments and their travelling companions spend over £14.6 billion on trips in England each year and research by VisitBritain shows that an extra £117 million could be generated from additional trips if accessibility was improved.
Why accessibility matters
At the heart of every visitor economy business lies the customer, and our success as a destination depends on offering the warmest of welcomes to each and every one of them. Ensuring our products and services are accessible to as many people as possible helps to deliver this welcome. Providing inclusive experiences across the entire ‘visitor journey’ from ‘looking and booking’ to visiting and getting around enables us to:
- attract and delight visitors
- help businesses grow and thrive
- serve our local communities
- secure investment for a sustainable future
Accessible Tourism supports the West of England region as a whole, our businesses, visitors, and the local community by:
- Helping businesses to improve customer service and the visitor experience for all
- Meeting the needs of underserved markets e.g. disabled people
- Responding to changing markets e.g. an ageing population
- Tapping into the growth of 3G family holidays and breaks (where 3 generations of a family travel together)
- Ensuring that valuable business is not lost: one person with accessibility requirements can influence a whole group's travel plans
- Contributing to sustainable and responsible tourism product development
- Growing visitor numbers
- Supporting resilience and recovery in times of crisis e.g. the COVID 19 pandemic
- Creating more job opportunities for disabled people
- Boosting our image as a destination
How can we help you?
By working in partnership with VisitEngland and supporting you, our members and key stakeholders, to improve your accessibility and increase your share of this valuable market. We are aiming to give you the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to offer a warm and inclusive welcome for all.
Whether you’re just starting your accessibility journey or looking to build on your existing efforts, this section provides the guidance, resources, and support you need to create a welcoming environment for all visitors.
Take a look at our blog 'Quick wins to get started on your accessibility journey' to help with what you can start to do now to make your business more welcoming to everyone.
Together, we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the best experiences our region has to offer.
Accessibility Resources and Opportunities
Whether you’re just starting your accessibility journey or looking to build on your existing efforts, this section provides guidance, resources, and support you need to create a welcoming environment for all visitors.
Take a look at the resources and opportunities
Accessibility Case Studies
Hear from tourism and hospitality businesses across the West of England, at all stages of their accessibility journey, as they share how they’ve made their venues more accessible and inclusive
Read the case studies here
VisitEngland Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Toolkit for Businesses
VisitEngland has produced an extensive Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Toolkit for businesses to help them cater to a wider range of customers with disabilities. The toolkit provides practical guidance on various aspects of accessibility, including customer service, physical environment, and inclusive employment. We have highlighted some of the key aspects of the toolkit but we thoroughly reccomment you take the time to read the full version.
Find out more about the Visit England Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Toolkit
Whether you’re just starting your accessibility journey or looking to build on your existing efforts, this section provides guidance, resources, and support you need to create a welcoming environment for all visitors.
