Additional information
The Mid and East Antrim Borough Council (MEA) Embracing Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Programme aims to provide local tourism providers with the essential skills and resources needed to create an inclusive and welcoming experience for all customers.
This pilot programme aligns with the Council’s ongoing commitment to its Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) plan and corporate responsibilities, ensuring that local businesses are equipped to serve a broader and more diverse range of visitors.
The initiative also forms part of the Council’s broader strategic objective to position the region as a leader in accessible tourism.
Programme details
The MEA Embracing Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Programme is a two-pronged initiative combining expert training and on-site accessibility audits. Businesses will benefit from a free full-day training session for up to two staff members per business.
These participants will gain access to WorldHost Inclusive Service, an industry-renowned programme that provides essential skills and knowledge to deliver exceptional customer service to diverse and accessibility-conscious visitors.
Participating businesses will also undergo a 75% funded industry-recognised accessibility assessment undertaken by experienced, trained surveyors from AccessAble. The surveyor will collect facts, measurements and photographs to enable a detailed access guide to be produced. The guide is about giving people factual information, it is not a user review or rating.
AccessAble will also provide an Accessibility Improvement Report, giving ideas on accessibility improvements for the future, and tips on inclusive marketing.
By joining the programme, businesses will not only enhance their accessibility but also gain invaluable promotional benefits and ensure they are equipped with the tools to serve existing customers better while attracting new ones.
Participating providers will be featured on AccessAble’s consumer website, reaching over six million users, as well as on the MEA Shaped by Sea and Stone tourism website, which will include a dedicated section on accessibility and inclusion.
The closing date for completed application forms is 5pm on Monday 17 February 2025.
