Visit Peak District & Derbyshire launches new forum to champion accessibility and inclusion across the visitor economy

Visit Peak District & Derbyshire is calling on tourism and hospitality businesses across the area to get involved in a new Visitor Economy Accessibility & Inclusivity Forum, designed to share best practice, build confidence and inspire practical action to make the destination more welcoming for everyone.

The new Forum will bring together a small group of businesses and partners from across the Peak District and Derbyshire, representing different sectors and stages of their accessibility and inclusion journey. From those just starting to explore improvements to businesses with established expertise, the aim is to create a supportive space to share experiences, learn from one another and develop ideas that make a real difference to visitors.

While many businesses across the destination are already taking positive steps to improve accessibility and inclusion, others may be unsure where to start, how to put training into practice or how best to communicate the facilities and experiences they offer.

The Forum will help address these challenges, while exploring opportunities to better understand and welcome LGBTQIA+ visitors, alongside people who may experience social, cultural or other barriers to feeling included.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, said:

“Everyone should feel welcome and able to enjoy the fantastic experiences our destination has to offer. We know that businesses across the Peak District and Derbyshire are already doing some brilliant work to improve accessibility and inclusion, and there is a real opportunity to build on that by bringing people together to share ideas, learn from one another and make further progress.

“You don’t need to be an expert to get involved, and we’re not looking to create a tick-box exercise. We want to hear from businesses that are keen to learn, those with experience to share, and anyone who wants to help make our destination more welcoming. By working together, we can create more choice for visitors and better experiences for everyone.”

The Forum will take a practical, collaborative approach, recognising that every business is different and that meaningful improvements can start with small, achievable changes. Members will have opportunities to discuss visitor needs, share examples of good practice, learn from businesses further along their journey and explore how working together can create more connected and inclusive visitor experiences.

Listening to people with lived experience will be an important part of the Forum’s approach, helping to ensure that future ideas and initiatives reflect the needs and experiences of visitors rather than assumptions.

Potential areas for collaboration include accessible and inclusive visitor itineraries, practical business resources, inclusive marketing and communications, training opportunities and case studies showcasing positive examples from across the region. The first year will focus on building relationships and identifying one or two practical projects that members can develop together.

The Forum will initially meet three times a year, with at least one meeting held in person. Discussions will be informal and focused on sharing knowledge, identifying opportunities and turning ideas into action.

Visit Peak District & Derbyshire is now inviting expressions of interest from tourism and hospitality businesses, attractions, accommodation providers, visitor experiences and other relevant partners across the destination who are interested in contributing to the Forum.

Businesses do not need to be accessibility or inclusion specialists to take part. A willingness to learn, share experiences and contribute to positive change is what matters most.

To express your interest in joining the Visitor Economy Accessibility & Inclusivity Forum, businesses are invited to complete a short application form by Sunday 22 November: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AandI-Forum

ENDS

For press enquiries, please contact Amy Noton at 07387 141590 or amy.noton@visitpeakdistrict.com. 

Notes

About Visit Peak District & Derbyshire
Visit Peak District & Derbyshire’s mission is to develop and grow a successful and sustainable tourism economy, working closely with a wide range of partners to make the Peak District and Derbyshire the destination of choice – regionally, nationally and globally.
Visit Peak District & Derbyshire is the lead partner of the Visit Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), in collaboration with Visit Derby.
For more information visit www.visitpeakdistrict.com/industry
Inspiration on things to do and where to stay in the Peak District and Derbyshire is available at www.visitpeakdistrict.com