Accessibility initiative aims to open isle up to 'Purple Pound'

BUSINESSES URGED TO JOIN IN CAMPAIGN TO WELCOME VISITORS WITH DISABILITY

- By CATHERINE LANGSTON

THANET is mounting a major campaign to transform the isle into the UK's premier destination for accessible tourism, unlocking a slice of a massive £274 billion market for local businesses.

Backed by the council's allocation of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the district has launched a series of blueprints designed to break down physical barriers at its most famous coastal landmarks and upskill the local hospitality workforce.

The economic incentive for the area is significant. The spending power of disabled people and their households in the UK - affectionately known as the "Purple Pound" - is estimated to be worth £274 billion annually, with a staggering £14.6 billion spent directly within the English tourism sector each year.

As part of the push, independent, expert accessibility assessments are officially under way at four of the Isle's premier coastal spots: Margate Main Sands, Viking Bay in Broadstairs, Ramsgate Main Sands, and Minnis Bay in Birchington.

The council has partnered with specialist organisation AccessAble to build detailed and trustworthy online access reports and bespoke improvement plans for each beach.