TOURISM operators from across the county gathered at Clynfyw Care Farm in Abercych on Sunday, January 17 to celebrate ‘Inclusive West Wales’.
The event coincided with Disabled Access Day, a national campaign to highlight the accessible venues that provide for individuals with any form of disability.
It was supported by a number of tourism operators and organisations who carry an accessible ethos, including Stackpole Mencap Gardens, The Harriet Davis Trust, Pembrokeshire People First, Celtic Quest Coasteering and Pembrokeshire Tourism.
Those who attended found it very beneficial by networking with peers and gaining a wealth of knowledge on what is available to the disabled visitor in Pembrokeshire.
Emily Yates, an accessibility consultant and travel writer who has been employed by the Rio de Janeiro Paralympic Games also attended the event.
She was overwhelmed with the facilities available at Clynfyw Care Farm.
She said: “The thing that really impresses me about Clynfyw is that physical accessibility and community inclusion go hand-in-hand. Not only can visitors stay in a gorgeous cottage to suit all their needs they can also take part in arts and crafts and wheelchair yoga.”
“This inclusion” she added, “is what really creates understanding and brings people together. We need more of it.”
Clynyfw has been providing accessible holidays to visitors for more than 30 years and has been recognised for its good practice by winning the Pembrokeshire Tourism Gold Award for Best Access for the Disabled Visitor in 2013.
The manager Jim Bowen said: “Saturday’s event was a great success, it was a pleasure to see the development of collaborative working amongst some of the leading accessible business that we have here in Pembrokeshire.
“It’s hopefully the start of something big for accessible tourism in Pembrokeshire.”
Source: Western Telegraph
