Braille House is thrilled to announce we recently became one of five successful organisations to receive the Accessible Tourism Enabler Grant from the Queensland Government as part of the 2023 Year of Accessible Tourism initiative.
We are excited to start this project which aims to foster greater independence, dignity, and equity for blind and low vision tourists in Queensland.
Our project is centred on providing hospitality and tourism venues and destinations with a suite of resources designed to make their facilities more accessible to vision impaired community members. By equipping businesses with the tools to improve accessibility, we can ensure everyone can explore and enjoy Queensland’s world-class tourism offerings.
Unlocking the Economic Potential of Blind and Low Vision Tourism
There is considerable market potential for accessible tourism initiatives. Research has shown that people with disabilities, including those with vision impairments, are an underserved and growing segment of the tourism market. With more than 14% of Australia’s accessible tourism market belonging to people with vision disabilities, Queensland stands to gain significantly.
In 2023, Australian tourists with disabilities spent an estimated $781 million in Queensland alone, with the total expenditure from their travel parties pushing that figure to $1.9 billion. For blind and low vision tourists, $109 million is spent by VI tourists, with upwards of $266 million spent by their travel companions.
These numbers highlight the enormous economic opportunity for businesses willing to invest in print accessibility. Beyond the initial financial benefits, providing accessible tourism experiences can foster long-term customer loyalty, encourage repeat visits and create an ongoing revenue stream.
Social Impact: Creating a More Inclusive Tourism Experience
Improving print accessibility is not just about economics—it’s a social responsibility. Demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity not only fosters goodwill but also enhances the reputation of destinations and businesses. Venues catering to all visitors tend to attract a wider range of tourists, thus benefiting from increased visitation and positive brand recognition.
Through the Accessible Tourism Enabler Grant, Braille House is providing tourism venues with the necessary resources to better cater to blind and low vision guests. This will include the development of Self-Assessment Checklists, developed in collaboration with certified orientation and mobility specialists and people with lived experience of blindness or low vision. These comprehensive checklists are designed to help tourism venues assess and improve their accessibility across various areas.
Self-Assessment Checklists
The checklists are part of a wider suite of resources aimed at hospitality venues, accommodation facilities, and tourist destinations. They will provide actionable steps for businesses to evaluate and enhance their facilities, offering practical insights and solutions to ensure greater inclusivity for all guests.
The four Self-Assessment Checklists will encompass:
- Whole of Venue Self-Assessment Checklist,
- Accommodation Venue Self-Assessment Checklist,
- Hospitality Venue Self-Assessment Checklist, and
- Tourism or Event Destination Self-Assessment Checklist.
Each checklist will address a range of accessibility elements, from signage and physical barriers to staff training and customer service procedures. Businesses are encouraged to assess whether each element is already in place, planned for, or requires minor, medium-term, or long-term adjustments.
Supporting Businesses to Improve Accessibility
The goal of these audits is not just to identify existing barriers, but to provide businesses with clear, achievable goals for improvement. Whether it’s a small, no-cost adjustment or a larger renovation project, the audits give operators a roadmap to enhance their accessibility in a manageable, sustainable way.
By early 2025, this suite of resources will be available to tourism venues across Queensland and, eventually, to businesses nationwide. As the accessibility sector grows, the opportunity for businesses to distinguish themselves as leaders in inclusivity is truly significant.
Join the Accessible Tourism Movement
Braille House is proud to be leading this important initiative, which will not only improve the experience for blind and low vision tourists but also offer long-term economic and social benefits to the entire tourism sector. With the right tools and resources, businesses can make the changes needed to create a truly accessible and welcoming environment for all visitors.
For more information and to access the Self-Assessment Checklists, visit Accessible Tourism.
This suite of resources are now available to all. As the accessibility sector grows, the opportunity for businesses to distinguish themselves as leaders in inclusivity is truly significant.