Tash and I attended the British Travel and Tourism Show back in March at the NEC in Birmingham.
I think my favourite keynote we listened to was ‘Travel Without Limits’. The panel featured some incredible speakers who shared real-life experiences of making travel and tourism more accessible for everyone. Their stories were powerful and moving, and they served as a much-needed reminder of why accessibility in tourism is not just important but essential.
The panel featured incredible speakers who shared their real-life experiences and challenges when it comes to accessible travel:
- Cheryl Everitt, founder of ‘A Wheel and Away’, shared her personal journey of travelling the world with her two children, both are wheelchair users. She highlighted the challenges they faced in finding accessible accommodations all over the world.
- Hester Grainger, an ADHD coach, speaker, and co-founder of ‘Perfectly Autistic’, shared her experiences with travel and neurodivergence.
- James Dixon-Box, Operations Director at ‘Marsham Court Hotel’, discussed how his hotel is setting a new standard in accessibility.
- Ray Veal, CEO of ‘Tourism for All’, emphasised why businesses must prioritise inclusivity in tourism.
Each speaker gave powerful, eye-opening insights into the very real barriers that people with disabilities face when travelling. Their stories were a reminder that accessibility isn’t just about compliance; it’s about making travel a welcoming and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Leading the Way in Accessibility
One of the standout stories from the session was about Marsham Court Hotel, the only UK hotel with adaptations to be fully accessible. I couldn’t believe it when I heard they were the only one in the UK! From specially designed rooms to regularly accessibility trained staff, they are setting the gold standard for inclusive hospitality. It is proof that accessibility is not just about ticking boxes; it is about creating a genuinely welcoming and comfortable experience for everyone.
Adventure Valley’s Commitment to Inclusion
We also have to give a huge shoutout to Adventure Valley, one of our clients, who has made inclusivity a priority. Thanks to a £350,000 government grant, they have created an incredible accessible playground featuring:
- An accessible swing
- Two user-friendly roundabouts
- A wheelchair-accessible seesaw
These are the kinds of initiatives that truly make a difference, ensuring that children of all abilities can play together.
Why every business needs to step up!
If there’s one thing we took away from this session, it’s this: more businesses need to step up. Accessibility isn’t just a “nice-to-have”; it’s essential. Making a business more inclusive doesn’t just benefit those with disabilities; it benefits everyone.
Inclusive businesses stand out. They attract more customers, build better reputations, and gain a competitive edge in an industry that’s finally waking up to the importance of accessibility.
A must-attend event for industry professionals
If you work in tourism and haven’t attended the British Tourism and Travel Show yet, you need to put it on your calendar for next year. It’s free to attend and offers incredible insights, inspiration, and networking opportunities with industry leaders who are passionate about making travel better for all.
Accessibility and inclusion should not be afterthoughts. Businesses need to take action, not just because it is the right thing to do, but because it benefits everyone. Making travel more accessible is a step toward a better experience for all.
Walking away from the event, one thing stuck with us: accessibility is not optional. It’s not just about legal requirements; it’s about creating experiences that everyone can enjoy. Whether it’s hotels, attractions, or transport, every business has a role to play.
So, we have to ask: Is your business simply meeting accessibility requirements, or are you actively creating inclusive experiences for everyone?
Written by Lilly Gallagher.
