National Accessible Scheme Joining Fee Waived for 2009/10

16th January 2009

Categories: What's New

Make Your Business More Accessible and Find New Customers

Accommodation providers who are assessed by VisitBritain can now join the National Accessible Scheme without paying the joining fee - a discount of £61.

The National Accessible Scheme is for all accommodation providers - even if you have steps up to the front door and no ground floor bedrooms.  An assessor visits your establishment and assesses your accessibility against national standards, then awards you a rating that effectively describes this to customers with impairments.  You'll also receive a report and hints and tips on how to become more accessible.

Not just about wheelchairs

There are many different kinds of impairments - it isn't all about wheelchair users.  You can improve your accessibility for customers with hearing, visual, learning or physical impairments in many straightforward and cost-effective ways: better signage, more contrasting decor, a flashing alarm clock and simple customer service techniques such as learning to greet and welcome a deaf customer, reading a menu to a visually impaired customer or providing good literature about local places to visit and eat and drink at that have good accessibility.

Benefit from increased marketing and a wider customer base

If you participate in the scheme you can use the recognised logos in your marketing and you'll also be searchable by accessibility rating at www.visitBritain.com, listed at www.tourismforall.org.uk (the UK's premier site for holiday information for those with access needs) and have an entry in Easy Access Britian, the official guidebook.

Over 27% of the British public have a long-standing health problem or disability, so making your business more accessible opens you up to new customers.  Other customers, such as older visitors and those with young children, also benefit too.

How to take advantage of the offer

All types of accommodation provider can be assessed under the National Accessible Scheme and for 2009/2010, for those who particpate in VisitBritain quality schemes, VB are waiving the joining fee (normally £61).  This means you only pay the assessment fee.  You can be assessed for mobility, hearing or visual - or all three.  To qualify for the offer you must have your Access visit carried out at the same time as your Quality assessment.  Your access rating lasts for three years, so you only have to pay for an assessment once every three years. 

Accommodation providers who are participants in the AA quality schemes can still join the NAS and enjoy all the benefits, but the joining fee will still apply.

Find out more now by:

• Downloading a detailed flyer
• Visiting www.qualityintourism.com
• Calling 0845 300 6996 for an information pack and quote NAS2009

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