Liverpool City Region is taking another significant step towards becoming one of the UK’s most accessible visitor destinations as it prepares to host the second Accessibility for All Forum later this month.
Taking place on 29 June at the M&S Bank Arena Liverpool Experience Campus, the event will bring together tourism businesses, transport providers, venue operators, event organisers and accessibility experts to explore how the region can create a more inclusive experience for visitors ahead of a series of major international events.
Leading the discussions will be one of Britain’s most recognisable Paralympians and broadcasters, Ade Adepitan MBE, whose involvement highlights the growing national significance of Liverpool City Region’s accessibility ambitions.
The forum is being organised by Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership and comes at a pivotal time as the region prepares to welcome thousands of visitors for several high-profile sporting and cultural events over the next few years.
Liverpool City Region Accessibility Forum Focuses on Inclusive Visitor Experiences
Unlike traditional accessibility conferences that focus primarily on compliance and legislation, this year’s forum will concentrate on the practical steps businesses can take to improve the visitor experience.
Discussions will explore what visitors with accessibility requirements expect when travelling, how organisations can work together to create seamless journeys, and the opportunities available to become leaders in inclusive tourism and event delivery.
Liverpool City Region is set to host a number of major international events between 2027 and 2028, including the Inclusive Sport and Culture Festival, the Tour de France Grand Départ, the Wheelchair Basketball European Championships and UEFA Euro 2028.
With visitor numbers expected to increase significantly, organisers believe accessibility must be embedded into every stage of the visitor journey, from transport and accommodation to attractions, venues and hospitality.
Ade Adepitan MBE said:
“Liverpool has a long history of welcoming people from all over the world, and it’s brilliant to see the region putting accessibility at the heart of its future.
“With some of the biggest sporting events on the horizon, this is a huge moment to show how inclusive, ambitious and forward-thinking the city can be.”
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A key focus of the event will be helping businesses prepare for the opportunities and responsibilities that come with hosting world-class events.
One discussion panel, titled Level Playing Fields: Ensuring Accessibility Across Events, will examine how national policy, funding priorities and inclusive design are shaping the future of sport, events and tourism.
Panellists include David Clarke OBE, Chief Executive of ParalympicsGB, Clare Briegal MBE, Chair of Sport Liverpool Board, and Paralympic athletes Amy Truesdale MBE and Ben Quilter.
A second panel, The Cornerstones of Success: Enhancing the Visitor Experience, will focus on the complete visitor journey and how businesses can better support guests with lived experience of disability.
Contributors include Niamh Parrington from Eureka!, para-athlete and content creator Rio Booth, and Christopher Massam, Accessibility Lead at Everton Stadium.
Natalie Wyatt, Managing Director of Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership, said the forum is designed to provide practical support and inspiration for businesses.
Natalie Wyatt said:
“Liverpool City Region has built a strong reputation for delivering world-class, inclusive events, and we’re proud to be pushing that ambition even further.
“With major sporting events on the horizon, now is the moment for our visitor economy to come together, learn from experts and lived experience, and ensure our region continues to set the standard for accessibility.”
As the Liverpool City Region prepares for one of the busiest periods in its recent history, organisers hope the forum will help establish the region as a national leader in accessible tourism, events and visitor experiences.
Tickets for the Accessibility for All Forum are available here.
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