Access in Tourism

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Tourism businesses with improved accessibility appeal to a wider range of visitors. It’s not just disabled people who benefit. It’s also families, older people - practically all visitors in one way or another.

Beyond stereotypes

It’s easy to label people as ‘disabled’. Our understanding of disability tends to leap to extremes. And while these shouldn’t be ignored, it’s easy to stereotype. Only 4% of people with disabilities use a wheelchair. But 33% of those aged 50-65 have some form of disability.

Invisible disabilities

Not all disabilities are obvious. Some are easy to spot, other’s aren’t e.g. allergies, diabetes, a heart condition, hearing impairments. Many people with disabilities don’t consider themselves ‘disabled’. However they will look for businesses that can respond to their individual needs. For example, diabetics might look for a hotel that offers flexible meal times, or asthmatics might request hypo-allergenic bedding. In many cases, it is easy and inexpensive for tourism businesses to respond.

It’s a legal requirement

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) seeks to help all people enjoy the same services that others take for granted. Many businesses worry that responding to the DDA means spending huge amounts of money. Often common sense is the only requirement needed. Read more about the Disability Discrimination Act.

RECOMMENDED READS

• Easy does it
  An excellent introductory business guide from VisitBritain packed full of ideas that are simple and low-cost. A must read for all looking to improve access
  
• Profit through Access - promotional video
  Video introduction explaining Profit through Access – a free online training course to help tourism businesses attract a wider range of visitors and improve profits

60 SECONDS ON...

• North East England’s approach to access