A new accessibility webinar for coastal businesses will take place on the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Tuesday 3 December. The session forms part of the wider development of the Cumbria Coastal Route and focuses on helping businesses improve the welcome they offer to visitors with different access needs.
The ambition for the Cumbria Coastal Route is for it to become one of the most accessible coastlines in the country. The webinar will outline the scale of the accessible tourism market and highlight simple, low cost actions that can make a meaningful difference to visitors, including providing clear information and understanding how small adjustments can support a wider range of people.
Delivered by inclusive tourism specialist Jane Cooper, the session will take place online from 11.00am to 12.00pm and is designed for any business that welcomes visitors, including accommodation providers, attractions, cafes, activity operators and retail.
Following the webinar, businesses will have the opportunity to join the CCR Champions programme. Through this programme, Cumbria Tourism will provide follow up support to help businesses put the learning into practice as they prepare for the Cumbria Coastal Route.
Sue Clarke, Marketing Manager at Cumbria Tourism, said: “Increasing accessibility helps businesses reach more visitors and strengthens the overall offer of the Cumbria Coastal Route. Total expenditure on tourism trips in England by those with an impairment or those travelling within a group where a member has an impairment is estimated to be £14.6 billion annually, so there is a clear opportunity for businesses that understand and respond to different access needs. This webinar is a practical starting point and gives businesses simple steps they can take straight away. Holding it on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities highlights why inclusion matters and why every visitor should feel confident and welcome.”
This workshop is part of the Cumbria Coastal Route project, funded by the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund through Cumberland Council. It is aimed at any business operating in the visitor economy in Cumberland Council coastal areas.
Cllr Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, added: “We want to ensure visitor destinations in our area are inclusive and can be enjoyed by all.
“We urge businesses to sign up to the webinar to find out what simple steps can be taken to create better experiences for a wide range of visitors.”
Businesses can sign up here.