New guide helps businesses welcome guests with assistance dogs

A new guide advising tourism businesses how to best accommodate guests with assistance dogs has been published by VisitEngland and the Human Rights Commission (EHRC).

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The accessible tourism market is estimated to be worth around £2b a year, with over 6,500 assistance dog users in the UK.

James Berresford, chief executive of VisitEngland said: "Assistance dogs are highly trained travel companions, providing a crucial service to their owners. By making even small changes, accommodation providers can go a long way in helping guests with assistance dogs feel supported and welcomed, as well as a boost to business by appealing to the Accessible Tourism market."

Mark Hammond, chief executive of the Equality and Human Rights Commission added: "VisitEngland and the EHRC have worked together to make sure tourism businesses have the right information available to help them make all their customers welcome.

"The guide explains the important role assistance dogs play in the lives of their owners and provides answers to questions raised by the industry."

As the tourist board for England, VisitEngland works to improve and develop the "visitor experience" across the country. England is said to make up 84% of the total UK visitor economy.

The EHRC was established under the Equality Act of 2006 and aims to reduce inequality and discrimination of all kinds, through strengthening relationships, improving legislation, and protecting human rights.

Businesses can download the guide online for free here.

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