The research showed that three-quarters of people with access needs say they would be a lot more likely to choose a destination that offered the best guidance
LONDON – On the day of the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games, VisitEngland has launched “Winning More Visitors” – a new online guide designed to help destinations attract more visitors with access needs by providing access information on their websites. The online resource was developed following a survey by the national tourist board, which revealed that 83% of people looking for access information to plan a trip use destination websites – but only one in three (39%) find it easy to locate the information they need.
The research also showed that three-quarters (74%) of people with access needs say they would be a lot more likely to choose a destination that offered the best guidance. Winning More Visitors contains advice and examples of best practice to help destinations build an Access Information section for their site, and ensure it is as accurate and up-to date as possible. It also highlights the type of information visitors with access needs may require when planning their trip:
- Travel Planning – such as a journey planner, details of a local public transport and information on accessible parking in the area.
- Local geography and terrain – information on the geography and accessibility of key tourist areas – e.g, a link to the Beach Access Statement.
- Accessibility of tourism businesses – access statements included as part of each venue’s listing, links to local accommodation and attractions that have self-assessed accessibility information.
- Assistance during the stay – details of local hospitals and pharmacies, and any greeter schemes and tours running in the area that can cater for people with access needs.
- Other useful information – location of accessible public toilets and links to other accessibility portals such as VisitEngland and Tourism for All.
The guidance also advises destinations on how to display the access information on their sites, such as creating a dedicated ‘Access for All’ section that is clearly signposted from the homepage as well as other pages throughout the site. Other suggestions include making sure the whole website itself complies with international web accessibility guidelines.
Ross Calladine, VisitEngland’s Skills, Welcome & Accessibility Manager said:
“Visitors who have a health condition or impairment – and their travelling companions – spend over £2bn each year in England, and our research shows that many of those visitors will choose where to spend that money based on the access information available on destination websites. We have produced Winning More Visitors to help destinations improve their welcome and attract even more of these loyal and valuable visitors.”
Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
