Every year, on the first Tuesday of November, businesses worldwide come together to observe Purple Tuesday, a movement dedicated to enhancing the customer experience for people with disabilities.
WHY ACCESSIBILITY IS GOOD FOR BUSINESS

There are over 1.3 billion disabled people worldwide, representing 17 per cent of the global population. In the UK alone, the Purple Pound, the collective spending power of disabled people and their families, is worth a staggering £274 billion annually. Yet, three in four disabled customers have walked away from a business due to poor accessibility or customer service.

For visitor economy businesses, this is a wake-up call. Accessibility is not just a compliance issue; it is a commercial opportunity and a moral imperative. By making small, sustainable changes, businesses can cultivate a loyal customer base, enhance their brand reputation, and contribute to a more inclusive society.

LIVERPOOL CITY REGION LEADING THE WAY

Here in Liverpool City Region, we are proud to be supporting this movement. Local visitor economy businesses are already making meaningful changes. Liverpool ONE has introduced quiet hours, stoma-friendly toilets, sensory bags, large print maps and on-demand sign language interpretation through Sign Live. These initiatives are helping neurodivergent individuals, those with sensory impairments and people with hidden disabilities feel more welcome and supported.

Strawberry Field, the iconic heritage site in South Liverpool, has also become a national leader in accessible tourism. With full wheelchair access, a Changing Places toilet facility, and inclusive features for visitors with visual, hearing and cognitive impairments, the attraction has redefined what it means to be welcoming.

The attraction’s audio-described tours, tactile exhibition elements and multi-language media guides have also received widespread praise, while its Imagine More Café and gardens offer peaceful, inclusive spaces for reflection and connection.

Eureka! Science + Discovery in Wirral was recognised with both the Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award and New Tourism Business of the Year at the 2024 Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards, praised for its inclusive design, sensory-friendly spaces, and detailed accessibility resources.

Knowsley Safari has made accessibility a priority, with level footpaths throughout the park, Changing Places facilities for visitors with complex needs, and a scheme offering free entry for essential companions. They also support the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard, helping staff identify and assist guests who may need extra support.

Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot has embedded accessibility into its programming, regularly offering relaxed performances, audio description, captioning, and BSL interpretation, alongside assistive listening devices and accessible seating. Meanwhile, Sunnyside Guest House in Southport, a finalist in the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards 2024 ‘Accessible & Inclusive Tourism’ category and winner of two other awards, has also committed to enhancing its inclusivity.

LCRDP DRIVING CHANGE

Earlier this year, Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership hosted the Liverpool City Region For All Forum. The event brought together industry leaders, disability advocates and accessibility specialists to share insights and inspire action.

Building on this momentum, LCRDP recently hosted a dedicated workshop at Strawberry Field on 30 October. The Accessibility for All workshop, led by Matt Pierri, CEO of Sociability, brought together visitor economy businesses for a morning of expert talks and collaborative sessions focused on improving accessibility across the full visitor journey.

With practical deep dives into inclusive marketing, website accessibility and creating a genuinely welcoming experience for all, the event offered a valuable opportunity for organisations to reflect, learn and connect with others committed to making the region more inclusive.

One of the key outcomes was the launch of the Accessibility Guide, a digital platform connecting businesses with experts who can help them improve their accessibility. Alongside this, the Accessibility Support Toolkit was introduced, offering practical resources, training and guidance tailored to the visitor economy sector.

These tools are designed to help businesses tap into the £14.6 billion disability tourism market, while also ensuring every visitor feels valued and included.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR MANAGING DIRECTOR, NATALIE WYATT

“Accessibility is about people, not just policies. At LCRDP, we believe that every visitor should be able to enjoy our region with ease, comfort and dignity. When we remove barriers, we open doors to richer experiences, deeper connections and a stronger visitor economy. Purple Tuesday reminds us that inclusion is not just the right thing to do, it is also a powerful driver of innovation and growth. We are proud to work with partners across Liverpool City Region who share our passion for making this incredible destination a place where everyone feels truly welcome.”

HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED

Whether you are a hotelier, restaurateur, attraction manager or retail operator, there are plenty of ways to show your support for Purple Tuesday.

Make a commitment to improve accessibility in your business, no matter how small. Use the Accessibility Toolkit to guide your efforts. Register your support at Purple Tuesday’s official website. Share your progress on social media using #PurpleTuesday and #AllWelcome.

Together, we can make Liverpool City Region a place where everyone feels welcome and included.