Guide launched by VisitEngland to aid tourism for autistic people

Friday, May 4, 2018

Visit England in collaboration with National Autistic Society and the Inclusive Tourism Action Group launched a new web tool specifically designed to leverage tourism industry to cater to the autistic people while holidaying.

This is an initiative to break down the industry barriers. The travel businesses and tourism operators will get assistance by better understanding of autism, the challenges it faces and the improvements needed.

‘Welcoming Autistic People’ will provide tips and practical advice that will provide visual stories, quiet spaces, ear defenders and sensory backpacks to autistic visitors and travellers.

Andrew Stokes, director of VisitEngland mentioned that the tips of the new guide, businesses will be able to offer the autistic people and their families with the best experiences while visiting the attractions and accommodations. This will increase the value this important sector is brings to the tourism and the economy across England.

Daniel Cadey, autism access development manager at the National Autistic Society stated that around 700,000 people are on the autism spectrum in the UK.

A lot of people would love to visit heritage sites and other tourist attractions . However, many are prevented from doing so as unfamiliar and unpredictable places make them extremely anxious.

It was revealed in a recent research that 70% of the autistic people and 70% of the family members feel isolated on the ground that they could not access places which others take for granted.

Autism is  a part of daily life for almost three million people and according to VisitEngland there are around 700,000 people in the UK in the autism spectrum along with their families.

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