Tourism is one of the UK’s great economic success stories, welcoming millions of visitors each year and generating billions for businesses up and down the country. According to VisitEngland’s latest forecast, 2025 is set to be another big year, with 43.4 million international visitors expected and a projected £33.7 billion in spending. That’s great news for the sector—but it means nothing if we don’t ensure that travel in the UK is accessible to everyone.
The numbers show a strong rebound, particularly from the US market, which is forecast to bring in £6.7 billion in spending. Europe remains a key driver, while visitors from China and East Asia are also returning. But let’s ask ourselves: what good is an influx of travellers if a significant proportion of them face barriers to enjoying their trip?
For too long, accessibility in tourism has been seen as an afterthought rather than a necessity. Disabled travellers and their companions contribute over £15 billion to the UK economy each year, taking more than 11 million domestic overnight trips. They also tend to stay longer—12.2 nights on average compared to 7.7 for other visitors. And yet, many still struggle to find clear information about accessibility or feel uncertain about whether they’ll be properly accommodated.
It’s frustrating, because the solutions aren’t complicated. Businesses don’t need to embark on expensive renovations or overhaul their entire operation. The biggest impact often comes from the simplest steps: better customer service training, clearer signage, and detailed, honest information about what facilities are available. That’s why TFA initiatives developed with VisitEngland, are so important. People aren’t asking for perfection—they just want transparency and the confidence to plan their trip without worry.
We have a real opportunity here. The UK is already a world-leading tourism destination, and we have the chance to lead on accessibility too. That won’t happen overnight, and it won’t happen just by writing policies or making promises. It will take action—by businesses, by local councils, and by the industry as a whole.
At Tourism for All, we’re here to help businesses make meaningful changes, whether through training, tailored guidance, or our online booking Travel Planner, which connects visitors with accessible accommodation and attractions across the UK. The demand is there, the need is clear, and the time to act is now.
Let’s not wait until accessibility becomes a problem too big to ignore. Let’s get it right, right now.
For more information, visit www.tourismforall.co.uk/charity. Tourism for All advocates for truly inclusive travel experiences, ensuring that accessibility is a priority across the industry. If you’d like to contribute to making sure our voice is heard, you can make a donation here: donate.justgiving.com/charity/tourismforalluk/donation-amount.
