Tourism and hospitality businesses recognised for accessibility

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire has recognised tourism and hospitality businesses for their exemplary approach to visitors with additional access needs.

A total of 17 businesses have received recognition as ‘Accessibility Champions’ after completing a unique new scheme through the area’s official destination management organisation.

The free scheme – the first of its kind in the area – has been designed to help tourism and hospitality businesses deliver ‘a warm and inclusive welcome for visitors with additional access needs’.

Through a series of webinars, the scheme covers topics including hearing loss, sight loss, mobility impairment, autism and dementia, highlighting the barriers faced by visitors with access needs and providing businesses with practical tips on how they can overcome them.

Businesses who successfully complete the scheme receive official ‘Accessibility Champion’ status, identifying them as one of the most accessible and inclusive tourism businesses in the country.

The first cohort of Accessibility Champions recently received their certificates at a special ceremony held at Casa Hotel, in Chesterfield.

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire is now encouraging local tourism and hospitality businesses to sign up for the next cohorts of the scheme, which will run on Tuesdays from 13 September to 11 October, and on Thursdays from 29 September to 3 November (excluding 6 October).

Jo Dilley, managing director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “We’d like to extend a huge congratulations to our new Accessibility Champions who are excellent ambassadors for accessible tourism and beacons of inspiration for many other local businesses to follow.

“One in five of the UK population is disabled and the Accessibility Champions scheme offers a unique opportunity for businesses to gain a share of the £15.3 billion accessible tourism market, obtain loyal customers and, above all else, provide memorable experiences for visitors with additional access needs.

“We encourage businesses to sign up for the scheme for expert advice on how they can provide a warm and inclusive welcome for all visitors – and to help us showcase why the Peak District and Derbyshire is truly one of the UK’s most accessible holiday destinations.”

For more information about the Accessibility Champions scheme visit https://www.visitpeakdistrict.com/industry/news/2022/8/3/peak-district-and-derbyshire-recognises-accessible-champions-through-new-accreditation-scheme-for-tourism-businesses-a2575.