The Liverpool City Region’s Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) is spearheading a transformative accessibility initiative, uniting businesses and stakeholders in a coordinated effort to create the UK’s most welcoming and accessible destination for all visitors.
The “Liverpool City Region For All Forum: Unlocking an accessible visitor economy” marked a significant milestone in the region’s commitment to universal accessibility, headlined by Paralympic champion and disability rights advocate Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE DL.
A significant step toward creating an inclusive visitor economy with its pioneering accessibility forum, the event brought together leading disability advocates, businesses, and stakeholders at Exhibition Centre Liverpool, part of The ACC Liverpool Group.
The event launched the innovative Accessibility Marketplace, a digital platform designed to connect businesses with disability specialists and resources for continuous improvement in accessibility standards. This pioneering initiative will provide ongoing support to organisations committed to enhancing their accessibility journey.
Baroness Grey-Thompson, who delivered the keynote address, praised the region’s proactive approach: “This initiative demonstrates Liverpool City Region’s genuine commitment to accessibility. By bringing stakeholders together for these crucial conversations, we’re creating real momentum for positive change in the region.”
The forum featured powerful insights from influential speakers including Lucy Edwards, an award-winning presenter and disability activist who lost her sight at 17, and Ollie Thorn, an international para-snowsports athlete and disability inclusion advocate.
Natalie Wyatt, Managing Director of the Liverpool City Region Visitor Economy Partnership, emphasised the economic significance: “With over 60 million annual visitors to our region, ensuring universal accessibility isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s essential for our continued growth and success.
Our role is to collaborate with public and private sector partners to ignite the growth of the region and this means working harder to ensure that all visitors are welcome. The perspectives of the speakers today helped illuminate the path toward a more inclusive visitor economy and the forum was an excellent way to share best practice.”
Donna Howitt, Place Strategy Director of Liverpool ONE and Deputy Chair Liverpool City Region’s Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) said: “Liverpool City Region welcomes over 60 million visitors annually, drawn by our world-class attractions and experiences. We’re dedicated to making these experiences accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. Through initiatives like the forum, we’re equipping local businesses with practical tools and knowledge to enhance accessibility, ensuring every visitor can fully participate in and enjoy everything our vibrant region has to offer.”
The event revealed key findings from a Liverpool City Region Combined Authority-commissioned report on disabled visitors’ experiences, providing valuable insights for future improvements.
The forum was supported by major regional stakeholders including Liverpool ONE, ACC Liverpool, Liverpool BID Company, Liverpool Hospitality, Carlisle Support Services, Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Sodexo and Hospitality Hero.
The Accessibility toolkit is now live, offering businesses across the region continuous access to expert guidance and resources for improving accessibility standards.