Visit England new access online tool

VisitEngland launches new online tool to help the industry provide better information for visitors with access needs.

VisitEngland, the national tourist board, today launches a new online tool aimed to help businesses cater better for visitors with access needs. 

VisitEngland spearheaded the creation of the Access Statement, a description of a venue’s services and facilities to inform people with access needs, some time ago.  This new online tool makes it easier for businesses to create an Access Statement.

James Berresford Chief Executive VisitEngland

“People with access needs require specific information about a venue in advance in order to be able to make an informed decision about whether an establishment can cater sufficiently for their needs. This online tool now offers bespoke guidance according to the business type and in doing so provides operators with the information they need in order to create a robust Access Statement.”

Mr Berresford goes onto say:

 “We must ensure that our hotels, B&Bs, attractions and eateries consider the need of every visitor. For businesses to improve their accessibility they need to  look at the information they include in their marketing materials and websites, as well as their facilities and the customer service and care they offer during the visitor’s stay.”

VisitEngland conducted discussion groups with people with access needs to determine the specific information they require when looking for places to stay or visit.  In addition, the tool has undergone usability testing within the industry to ensure businesses find the process more user friendly.  Once a business has created their Access Statement they can then make this information readily available to visitors.

VisitEngland requires any business that is part of the quality assessment schemes for accommodation and attractions to have an Access Statement.  The national tourist board is also working with partners like the Premier League, RSPB and the Keep Britain Tidy Quality Coast Award  to provide tailored guidance for the many varied experiences visitors can have when on holiday in England.

For more information see www.visitengland.com/accessstatements.

Ends

For more press contact:

Sarah Long, Strategic Communications Manager Tel: 020 7 578 1452, Mob: 07500555651, Email: [email protected] www.visitengland.org

Notes to editors

• Figures for 2009 from the UK Tourism Survey show that overnight trips made by people who either have or are accompanied by someone with a health condition or impairment contributed almost £2bn to the English domestic visitor economy in 2009.  This highlights the economic importance of this travelling sector to the tourism industry. 

About VisitEngland

• VisitEngland is the strategic leadership body representing the public and private sector stakeholders of English Tourism.  It works in partnership creating national tourism strategy, optimising marketing investment, and developing the visitor experience across England 
• VisitEngland continues to use its Enjoy England consumer brand in the domestic market and markets England under the VisitEngland brand in international markets 
• More information can be found on www.enjoyengland.com and www.visitengland.com/corporate