Improving Accessibility

What Makes Accommodation and Tourist Facilities Accessible?

Making accommodation and tourist attractions accessible means creating inclusive, welcoming spaces that everyone can enjoy—regardless of mobility, sensory, or cognitive needs. Accessible travel is not only a legal and ethical responsibility, but also a smart way to welcome more visitors and improve customer satisfaction.

This guide explains the key features that make hotels, guest houses, attractions, and public spaces truly accessible for disabled people, older adults, and families with prams or temporary injuries.

Accessible Accommodation: Key Features for Inclusive Stays

Step-Free Entrances and Easy Access

  • Level or ramped access to the entrance
  • Wide doorways (minimum 850mm)
  • Smooth paths from parking areas to reception
  • Automatic or easy-open front doors

Wheelchair-Friendly Interiors

  • Spacious rooms with turning space for wheelchairs
  • Barrier-free access to key areas like bedrooms, bathrooms, dining rooms
  • Non-slip flooring and low-pile carpets
  • Clear signage with large, high-contrast print

Accessible Bedrooms

  • Adjustable-height beds or space for mobile hoists
  • Light switches and sockets positioned between 400mm–1000mm from the floor
  • Hearing and visual alarms (flashing lights or vibrating pads)
  • Service dog-friendly with access to outdoor relief areas

Accessible Bathrooms

  • Roll-in or walk-in showers with grab rails and fold-down seats
  • Raised toilets with grab bars on both sides
  • Lowered sinks and mirrors
  • Emergency pull cords within easy reach of the toilet and shower

Accessible Tourist Attractions: What to Look For

Step-Free Navigation and Physical Accessibility

  • Ramps or lifts wherever there are stairs
  • Accessible toilets throughout the venue
  • Plenty of seating and rest points
  • Tactile paving and audible crossing signals

Sensory and Cognitive Accessibility

  • Quiet rooms or “chill-out” areas for neurodivergent visitors
  • Clear, uncluttered signage and maps
  • Lighting that avoids glare and harsh contrasts
  • Visual stories or sensory guides to help plan visits

Communication Support

  • Induction loops for hearing aid users
  • Information available in large print, braille, and Easy Read
  • Staff trained in basic sign language or alternative communication methods
  • Subtitled or interpreted presentations and videos

Accessible Parking and Transport: Getting There with Ease

  • Designated disabled parking bays close to entrances
  • Drop-off areas with ramps and shelter
  • Smooth, well-lit paths from bus stops or train stations
  • Availability of wheelchair-accessible taxis or shuttle buses

Staff Training and Inclusive Customer Service

  • Staff trained in disability awareness and inclusive communication
  • Welcoming attitude toward access requests or assistance needs
  • Emergency evacuation plans that include disabled visitors
  • Feedback options for visitors to report access issues or suggestions

Digital Accessibility: Online Information Matters

  • Websites that follow WCAG 2.1 accessibility guidelines
  • Virtual tours or galleries showing accessible features
  • Online booking systems that work with screen readers
  • Clear, detailed accessibility information for each room or facility

Why Accessibility in Tourism Matters

Accessible tourism benefits everyone—from disabled travellers and older adults to families with pushchairs or people recovering from injury. By providing inclusive accommodation and visitor-friendly attractions, businesses can:

  • Comply with the Equality Act 2010 and other legal standards
  • Attract more guests and improve reviews
  • Support social inclusion and equal opportunity
  • Create memorable experiences for all visitors

Conclusion: Making Travel More Inclusive

Accessible accommodation and tourism facilities are essential for a truly inclusive society. Whether you run a hotel, manage a visitor attraction, or design public spaces, focusing on accessibility helps create a better experience for everyone.

To make your business more accessible, start by listening to disabled visitors, investing in inclusive design, and training your team to be welcoming and aware. Accessibility isn’t just a feature—it’s a foundation for great hospitality.