When booking a holiday or short break, good accessibility can often be a decision-maker. The Q-books are a series of practical guides that have been developed to help small businesses in the region improve their quality and profitability. ‘Think Access’ focuses on offering better accessibility and inclusion for all visitors. The Q-books are packed with practical advice, market insights, engaging video clips and case studies from successful tourism businesses.

 

The guide serves to highlight that good accessibility is not only an issue for wheelchair users, but it can also impact upon anyone from dad with a bad back, to Gran with a hearing aid, a new mum with a pram or a teenager with a broken leg!

 

The guide helps demonstrate that with a few minor, low cost changes businesses can fulfil and exceed visitor expectations and create a major impact on their stay, encouraging them to return and also tell their family and friends about what a great time they had.

 

Peter White, the BBC’s disability affairs correspondent who has been instrumental in the production of the Think Access guide commented: “Businesses shouldn’t shy away from dealing with people who have accessibility issues as nine out of ten of us will have a temporary disability at some point in our lives. Accommodating visitors with a disability doesn’t always have to be about taking drastic measures. Often the most enjoyable day out experience comes from a simple, friendly welcome. Sometimes, a disabled person may require a little extra assistance, and if a business can do this without making that person feel singled out or different, then they are already one step ahead of the game.”

 

Jenifer Littman, CEO, Tourism for All commented; “Visitors with mobility problems or disabilities can run into difficulties when away from home, however the majority of these can be easily overcome by attractions and accommodation providers. It is often simple things such as good customer service that can make a visit go smoothly.

 

For example, a large print menu can be easily produced on a PC and makes a huge difference to those who are partially sighted, or helping to show a visitor around can create a relaxing and stress free experience. We are delighted that East Midlands Tourism is addressing the issue with practical advice to help establish an accessible and inclusive environment.”

 

Frances Wilson, Quality Manager, East Midlands Tourism commented:

“The Think Access guide is the second in the Q-book series and follows on from Think Family which looked at the changing needs of the family market. It has been created to encourage businesses to think about accessibility issues and how they can implement simple measures to make all visitors feel more welcome.

Businesses operating in the East Midlands are probably already using many of the ideas featured in the Q-book, but if they take just one extra gem of information from the guide, then everyone can benefit. Addressing accessibility shouldn’t be considered a task or an add-on, it should be an integral part of how a business meets customer needs, becoming second for anyone wanting to excel in delivering fantastic service.”

 

For further information on the Q-book series, contact East Midlands Tourism’s Quality Manager at qbook@emd.org.uk or 0115 988 8425 or alternatively visit  www.eastmidlandstourism.com.