This is the second coffee time chat that looks at the value of the market for disabled guests. It features Ross Calladine, Business Support Manager at Visit England who is responsible for attracting more disabled people to England. He also talks about what he would do if he had a magic wand.
VisitEngland estimated the value of disabled people staying away from home as £2 billion in England alone. This figure is set to increase dramatically as we live longer and so are more likely to experience a disability. The business case for disability is supported by the fact that one in three people will experience a disability during their lifetime. Here are some other facts and figures that support the business case:
The moral case centres around the fact that we live in an inclusive society in the UK. It is said that we are one of the most inclusive nations in the world with people coming to live and work here from almost every country on the planet.
The legal case is contained within the Equality Act of 2010. This pulled together a wide range of legislation into one document and thus simplified the law. It covers disability, gender re-assignment, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, colour and nationality, religion and belief. It accepts that some disabilities are invisible but the act enshrines in law the fact that it is illegal to discriminate against any of these groups. Hotels, conference c