Easy Guide to Access Statements
All tourism business in North East England are encouraged to produce an access statement. Some businesses think they might be hard work, but they don’t have to be.
What are access statements?
Access statements are simply a document that gives potential customers a clear and honest description of a tourism business and their facilities and services. Access statements are an essential marketing tool. They enable potential visitors to make an informed decision about whether the business meets their access needs. What’s more, an access statement is now a requirement to achieving a star rating.
How are access statements made available?
Businesses should include their access statements on their website. Hard copies, including a large print version, should also be available.
Information to include
Access statements cover a range of areas including pre-arrival details such public transport availability through to arrival and car parking arrangements and a description of the property. There is no set length for an access statement. But VisitEngland has produced a useful template showing what to include. They also have a number of sample access statements to view.
Useful examples
It is useful to look at sample statements from other businesses. Here are some examples from within the region.
- The Old Manse, Chatton
- Tyne & Wear Museums – each museum has developed its own access information. Here is an example from The Laing Art Gallery
- The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle
Access statements made easy
Businesses can develop their access statement through the Profit through Access course. One NorthEast Tourism has developed this free online course to help businesses improve their accessibility for all visitors, write an access statement and develop an action plan.
RECOMMENDED READS
- Profit through Access - promotional video
Video introduction explaining the free online course - Profit through Access - which helps businesses write an access statement and develop an action plan - VisitEngland access information
Advice on compiling access statements, including a template and sample access statements
