Hospitality should recognise accessibility opportunity

Hospitality businesses are missing significant commercial opportunities by treating accessibility as a compliance exercise rather than a strategic business priority, according to senior leaders gathered at the latest Accessible Hospitality Alliance (aha) forum. Bringing together operators, employers, suppliers and accessibility specialists from across the hospitality sector, the event explored how businesses can create more inclusive environments for both guests and employees while unlocking access to the UK’s estimated £274bn purple pound market.

A key conclusion from the forum was that accessibility should be afforded the same level of attention, investment and accountability as sustainability, moving beyond regulatory obligations to become a core part of business strategy. Delegates argued that sustainability has successfully evolved from a compliance issue into a boardroom priority, supported by clear targets, reporting frameworks and increasing visibility across booking platforms and consumer decision making.

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‘The lens of opportunity’
Robin Sheppard, chair and co-founder of aha, said: “Too many organisations still view accessibility through the lens of compliance when they should be viewing it through the lens of opportunity. The hospitality industry has shown through sustainability that when something is measured, reported and prioritised, meaningful change follows. Accessibility deserves the same level of strategic attention.

“When businesses create genuinely accessible environments, they are not simply meeting an obligation. They are opening their doors to more guests, attracting new customers and creating better experiences for everyone.”

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