Newcastle businesses invited to participate in free program to enhance inclusive tourism

The City of Newcastle acknowledges that improving the accessibility of the city and region is an ongoing priority and looks to enhance their inclusive tourism offerings.

City of Newcastle is inviting businesses to participate in a program aimed at enhancing the region as an inclusive tourism destination and growing its share of the $6.8 billion accessible tourism market.

Expressions of interest are now open for businesses to participate in the free program, with 20 to be selected based on their relevance to the visitor economy.

Those businesses will receive practical advice on how to improve their accessibility for tourists with a broad range of needs, including mobility and vision, sensory, intellectual and neurological disabilities.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes notes "Access and inclusion are key priorities for City of Newcastle and we want the millions of Australians who have a disability to look to our city as the place to visit for a holiday.

"Enhancing our inclusive tourism offering will not just attract more visitors and tap into new markets, it will also make our city a better place to live work and play for locals."

City of Newcastle has appointed The Visitor Inclusion Group, a specialist consulting firm in the field of accessible and inclusive tourism, to develop the framework, which will help local operators better understand the requirements of visitors with a disability.

Councillor Margaret Wood, co-chair of City of Newcastle’s Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee said accessible tourism is the fastest growing travel sector in Australia.

"The Australian Bureau of Statistics states that in 2022 around 5.5 million Australians were living with a disability," Cr Wood advised.

"Australian travellers with accessibility needs spent $6.8 billion on domestic travel in the 2022/23 financial year.

"This project aims to encourage improvement and inclusion in the accessible tourism sector, helping local business to find ways to be an inclusive destination for everyone.

"Together, we can make our city an accessible and inclusive destination for all."

Newcastle Tourism Industry Group Chairman Dominic May encouraged Newcastle tourism operators to get on board.

"This initiative will help to make Newcastle accessible to all visitors and provide a much needed boost to local businesses," May added.

"It's important for all of our tourism providers to do everything we can to be part of the growing accessible tourism market."

Expressions of interest close at 5pm on 22nd July.

To submit an EOI visit: www.visitnewcastle.com.au/industry-resources/expressionofinterest 

Improving the accessibility of Newcastle is a key part of City of Newcastle's Destination Management Plan and Disability Inclusion Action Plan.

Image. Newcastle Tourism Industry Group Chairman Dominic May, City of Newcastle Destination & Economy Manager Georgia Lazzari, Councillor Margaret Wood, Newcastle Business Improvement Association representative Lucy Glover and City of Newcastle's Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee Co-Chair Andrew Vodic.Credit: City of Newcastle