Last week saw the launch of the Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEP) Accessibility Support Programme, designed to empower LVEPs to recognize, enhance, and promote their accessible tourism offerings.

Accessible tourism experts from Access & Inclusion UK lead the initiative, providing support to 37 LVEPs across England through live webinars on the VisitEngland Academy e-learning platform and personalized assistance.

The programme utilizes the ‘Kick-start’ strategy from the Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Toolkit for LVEPs, a cost-effective, impactful method that builds on existing products and emphasizes the importance of accessibility information. It encourages LVEPs to integrate key accessibility features data set and enhance collaboration with AccessAble to increase the use of Detailed Access Guides.

All LVEPs, regardless of their progress in accessible tourism development, benefit from this initiative.

Each LVEP appoints an accessibility lead trained in accessible destination development and best practices for providing accessibility information. These individuals receive a badge and certification upon completing the programme.

Training sessions cover essential topics:

• Fundamentals of accessible destination development
• Identification of current accessible tourism products
• Business engagement strategies
• Consistency in accessibility information on destination websites
• Promotion of overall destination accessibility to consumers.

This support is part of a larger LVEP initiative aimed at bolstering the visitor economy through robust destination management, strong stakeholder relationships, and strategic planning. LVEPs are crucial in leading accessible and inclusive tourism development and promotion as a national priority.

The need for accessibility training highlighted by many LVEPs has led to this innovative training programme, driving England forward as a truly accessible destination.

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