Business tourism leaders in Edinburgh have hailed an international event they say will play a crucial role in cementing the city’s reputation as an accessible destination that welcomes disabled and disadvantaged visitors.
Scotland’s capital city has been selected as the host city for the Rehabilitation International 23rd World Congress (R.I. World Congress) in October 2016.
The four-day event will bring more than 1,000 delegates to Edinburgh and with an estimated economic impact of over £2million, the four-day event
Jointly led by Convention Edinburgh and host venue, the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), the winning bid not only showcased the city’s strong business tourism offering, but ensured the Edinburgh’s accessible credentials were at its core. From Edinburgh’s transport providers and its compact size, to the considered approach to accessibility by the EICC and city businesses, Rehabilitation International leaders agreed Edinburgh was the best fit for its conference and delegates’ needs.
Chris McCoy, who heads up the accessible tourism project at VisitScotland, said: “VisitScotland has been working to promote accessible tourism in Scotland for some time now. There are parts of Scotland that have embraced accessibility and Edinburgh is preparing for a big International Rehabilitation World Congress in October 2016. We are working with tourism businesses throughout the city to produce access statements, which give visitors a full description in words and pictures of the facilities available. The Royal Yacht Britannia and the Royal Botanic Gardens, for example, have produced excellent access atatements. VisitScotland has been working closely with Euan’s Guide for the last year and we are keen to establish such great partnerships with the ultimate aim of an accessible Edinburgh.”
Lesley Williams, head of business tourism, Convention Edinburgh said: “In many ways, the compact size and solid transport connections for Edinburgh make it an incredibly accessible city, a key reason why the RI World Congress, event planners selected the city to host its high profile global conference in October 2016. That said, there is a huge opportunity for more to be done to make Edinburgh, its shops, restaurants, hotels and attractions, more user-friendly for everyone. Next year’s Rehabilitation International World Congress is set to be an incredible catalyst, providing a focus and structured timeline for improving Edinburgh’s accessibility. The coming months will see a solid programme of training workshops and focused collaboration, that will raise awareness, provide insights and offer practical assistance for businesses to improve their customer offering. The city is coming together, working with VisitScotland, The Shaw Trust, our members and Euan’s Guide, to create a legacy of improved services and inclusive-customer experience, for all its visitors and residents. This is a legacy we want to live on long after the World Congress comes to an end.”
Joel Charles, a spokesperson for Shaw Trust Scotland, said: “Shaw Trust Scotland is a charity committed to ensuring disabled people can lead independent lives. We are privileged to be hosting the Rehabilitation International World Congress in Edinburgh next year. The World Congress brings together a global network of member countries who work to promote the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities or health problems. Shaw Trust Scotland is working closely with Edinburgh City Council, Convention Edinburgh, VisitScotland and Transport Scotland to make sure accessibility issues are not a barrier encountered by disabled delegates at next year’s World Congress.”
Source: Conference News
