More than 200 businesses from across Liverpool City Region’s visitor economy have united behind ambitious plans to make the region one of the UK’s leading destinations for accessible tourism.

The Accessibility for All Forum, held at the M&S Bank Arena Liverpool, brought together businesses, tourism leaders, accessibility experts and sporting organisations to explore how inclusive visitor experiences can strengthen the local economy while improving experiences for everyone.

Hosted by broadcaster and Paralympic medallist Ade Adepitan MBE, the event highlighted how accessibility is becoming an essential part of creating successful visitor destinations rather than simply meeting legal requirements.

Organised by Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership (LCRDP), the forum comes as the region prepares to host a series of major international sporting and cultural events, including the Inclusive Sport & Culture Festival, Tour de France Grand Départ, IWBF European Wheelchair Basketball Championships 2027 and UEFA EURO 2028.

Accessibility at the heart of Liverpool City Region’s visitor economy

LCRDP believes improving accessibility will help businesses attract more visitors, encourage longer stays and strengthen Liverpool City Region’s reputation as a welcoming destination.

Natalie Wyatt, Managing Director of Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership, said:

“Accessibility is not a specialist consideration. It’s a defining measure of destination quality.

“When businesses invest in accessibility, they’re creating better experiences, building stronger reputations and helping shape a visitor economy that is inclusive, resilient and fit for the future.”

Opening the event, Ade Adepitan MBE encouraged delegates to view accessibility as an opportunity rather than an obligation.

He said: 

“When businesses make accessibility part of the way they think, rather than something they add on at the end, they create places that are easier to use, more welcoming and more enjoyable for everyone. 

“That’s good for visitors, communities and business.”

Major events driving accessibility improvements

Delegates also heard from Ross Calladine, Accessibility and Inclusion Lead at VisitEngland, and David Clarke OBE, Chief Executive of the British Paralympic Association, who shared national research and practical advice on improving accessibility across the visitor economy.

According to VisitEngland, accessible tourism contributes £14.6 billion to England’s visitor economy every year and generates more than 200 million tourism trips, underlining the significant economic opportunity for destinations that invest in inclusion.

Ross Calladine said businesses that improve accessibility not only benefit commercially but also help give disabled visitors greater confidence to travel and enjoy new experiences.

David Clarke OBE added that the lasting legacy of major sporting events should extend beyond visitor numbers to creating stronger communities, better businesses and destinations that work for everyone.

The event was sponsored by Strawberry Field, which reaffirmed its commitment to making visitor experiences more inclusive. Mission Director Major Michelle Lovegrove Huggins said accessibility starts with ensuring every visitor feels genuinely welcome and valued.

Alongside keynote sessions and panel discussions, attendees took part in wheelchair basketball, boccia, wheelchair racing, power football and power hockey to gain first-hand insight into inclusive sport and accessibility ahead of Liverpool City Region’s upcoming international events.

Ebony Wilson-Pepper, Sales Manager at Liverpool attraction Quirky Quarter, said the forum had provided practical ideas that could be implemented immediately.

She said the experience had helped her better understand accessibility from a visitor’s perspective and would support improvements within her own organisation.

The event forms part of Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership’s wider commitment to helping tourism and hospitality businesses create more inclusive experiences as the region prepares to welcome millions of visitors over the coming years.

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