Visit Accessible England

In the spirit of Olympic and Paralympic legacy, VisitEngland has launched a national marketing campaign aimed at championing and improving accessible tourism in England.

The national tourist board has worked with a number of destinations and the Disabled Persons Railcard to develop exciting guides highlighting fantastic and accessible tourism experiences across the country.

The Access for All Campaign aims to position England as a leading destination for accessible tourism. The campaign is a cost-effective way for selected English destinations to showcase their accessible tourism businesses and attract more visits from disabled travellers and others with access needs, and their companions.

Each destination has selected top class accommodation and attractions which have then been through an Access for All programme developed by VisitEngland to ensure they are delivering the highest standard of access for visitors.

These places to stay and visit are featured in a series of local guides that highlight key attributes of the destination as well as promoting it as access friendly.

The four destinations involved in the campaign are Leicestershire, NewcastleGateshead, Brighton and Bath.

‘Take the lead’ on access

VisitEngland and the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) have produced a new guide for tourism businesses on welcoming customers with assistance dogs. Take the lead highlights the important role performed by assistance dogs, it outlines the legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010, and how tourism businesses can boost business by attracting more visits from disabled travellers and their canine companions.

By making small changes, often at very low cost, accommodation providers can help ensure all visitors feel welcome, make the most of the accessible tourism market -  a sector worth over £2billion a year* with strong growth potential, and ensure they fulfil their legal duties to the 6500 assistance dog users in the UK.

James Berresford, Chief Executive of VisitEngland said: “Assistance dogs are highly trained travel companions, providing a crucial service to their owners and used by thousands of people with access needs.”
Mark Hammond, Chief Executive of the Equality and Human Rights Commission said: "The guide explains the important role assistance dogs play in the lives of their owners and provides answers to questions raised by the industry."

Download the new guide from www.VisitEngland.org/access.