A RISING star of Scottish para-swimming has helped launch a scheme aimed at making Glasgow one of the country’s most accessible tourism destinations.
Hope Gordon, who also represents Scotland in para-rowing, is backing a new city holiday guide which highlights some of the visitor attractions which have easy access for disabled and elderly visitors.
They include Riverside Museum and the Tall Ship, the Gallery of Modern Art, The Lighthouse, St Enoch Centre, the Centre for Contemporary Art, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Glasgow Film Theatre.
VisitScotland commissioned disabled access review website Euan’s Guide to road test each itinerary and the results are now available to download at www.visitscotland.com/holidays/accessible/.
As part of the launch, Hope, 20, gave a talk to tourism representatives at one of 25 local businesses which have taken part in VisitScotland’s Glasgow and Strathclyde Country Park accessible tourism destination pilot project.
They have committed to creating online statements which clearly define their accessible facilities and to complete a VisitScotland training course.
People with access requirements include not only those with a disability but also the elderly and people with young children.
Wheelchair user Hope said: “As we saw during last summer’s Commonwealth Games, Glasgow already offers a warm welcome to visitors from all over the world but producing these access statements and itineraries allows those with access requirements to find out more about what is on offer at hotels and attractions in and around the city.
“This will allow disabled visitors and others with access needs to better plan their holiday and make the most of their time in this amazing city.”
Chris McCoy, who heads up VisitScotland’s accessible tourism project, said: “Access statements allow people to make informed decisions about visiting a particular hotel or attraction and I would like to congratulate all of the businesses who are taking part in our pilot project.
“Glasgow is now on its way to becoming one of Scotland’s most accessible destinations which is apt as the city is about to welcome disabled athletes from around the world for the IPC Swimming World Championships.
“The accessible tourism market is worth around £1.5billion to the Scottish economy so apart from anything else, ensuring this market feels as welcome as possible makes excellent business sense.”
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Scott Taylor, chief executive of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said travel publication Rough Guide describes Glasgow as the world’s friendliest city.
He added: “This project makes experience in Glasgow that much more accessible to all our visitors and enables everyone to enjoy what the city has to offer.”
Source: Evening Times
