A group of seven Pembrokeshire tourism service providers are the latest to take positive action towards preparing themselves for the Disability Discrimination Act, which comes into full force in October, 2004.
They join over 30 like-minded providers who have already participated in PLANED's 'Working Towards Inclusive Tourism' scheme - which provides high quality business advice/support, an individual 'inclusive' business audit and access to an implementation grant.
Sarah Worby, PLANED's tourism development officer, said: "PLANED first recognised the opportunity that offering more 'inclusive' services and facilities would provide for small tourism businesses in Pembrokeshire a number of years ago. PLANED commissioned a study, part funded by the Wales Tourist Board, which revealed that as the population of Britain ages, issues of mobility etc. will increasingly affect service providers - it also highlighted over 80 per cent of those registered with a disability acquired their disability during the course of their life and that their preference was, very clearly, to want to continue to take holidays with their friends and families; only 34 per cent of people registered with a disability currently take a holiday, but that 34 per cent presented a very attractive, loyal 'market' - displaying a propensity to travel/stay at off-peak/out of season time, make bookings well in advance and return time and again to the 'right' place."
The fundings of the study promoted PLANED to develop the 'Working Towards Inclusive Tourism' programme in order to help small tourism businesses in Pembrokeshire to access this 'market', as well as to prepare for the Disability Discrimination Act. The programme is part funded by the EU European Regional Development Fund (Objective 1) and links to other initiatives that PLANED is involved in, including Pembrokeshire Greenways - which encourages access-for-all to the countryside.
Sarah Worby said: "There are now only a dozen places left on the programme, so I would urge any small business that earns a proportion of its income from tourists to take advantage of this FREE EU funded programme. The next course begins on Tuesday, November 4, with follow-up business audit and further seminars on Monday, November 24, and Tuesday, November 25. Businesses need to complete the course of seminars and audit in order to qualify for an implementation grant. Those interested should contact me on (01834) 862144 or e-mail tourism@ planed.org.uk."