VisitEngland secures grant for Access for All project
VisitEngland has announced plans to promote England as the premier destination for accessible tourism after securing funding from the European Commission.
The project, known as Access for All, will be funded by a European Commission grant of €125,000 (£98,000).
The news comes after VisitEngland released new research which showed the value of the overnight accessible tourism market was worth £3b, rising to £12.4b when day visits were taken into account.
It found that over the past four years overnight trips by disabled travellers had increased by 19%, with spend up by 33%.
The Access for All project will see VisitEngland partner with seven destinations to develop their accessibility credentials. They will create guides to the venues and promote those businesses that offer an accessible welcome.
VisitEngland said it would also deliver a national marketing campaign next year, which would showcase the inclusive nature of English hospitality.
Chief executive James Berresford said: "As the national tourist board, we are committed to ensuring England is a destination that offers a warm welcome for all visitors. The Access for All project is a fantastic opportunity to continue to build England's reputation as a leader in accessible tourism, and help grow this important and valuable market, now worth £3b to England's economy."
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