Nearly three in four consumers want ‘lack’ of accessibility in hospitality venues addressed: survey

Restaurants scored low in terms of having a good reputation for adhering to disabled people’s needs.

Seventy one per cent or almost three in four persons believe there is not enough attention being brought to accessibility in the UK hospitality industry, according to a new consumer survey.

The ‘Accessibility in Hospitality’ survey from Robin Sheppard, founder of the Blue Badge Access Awards and president of Bespoke Hotels, in collaboration with HGEM, also revealed almost a third of guests (30%) would leave a venue “immediately” if access for disabled people was inadequate, whilst more than half of participants (53%) said they would not return to a venue where access was difficult.

The survey was distributed to non-disabled and disabled persons between the ages of 18 to over 66.

62% of male respondents suggested not enough attention is brought to accessibility. However, that number reaches 73% with female consumers.

Hotels were found to have a good reputation for adhering to disabled people’s needs (58%), whilst leisure scored 16%, restaurants at 14%, pubs at 7%, and 5% for quick service.