From 2024–2027, Destination NSW will work with accessibility agency Get Skilled Access to improve accessibility and inclusion in the NSW visitor economy.

This will include:

  • Understanding the accessible visitor experience by conducting regional assessments of a range of destinations and visitor experience across NSW, from the perspective of visitors with accessibility needs.
  • Building business capability by using the insights from regional assessments to deliver tailored to help visitor economy businesses to deliver and promote accessible and inclusive experiences
  • Communicating to visitors with quality information on how visitors can experience accessible and inclusive visitor experiences and destinations
  • Understanding the accessible visitor experience: Regional assessments

From May – August 2024, a specialist assessor will travel through NSW to conduct assessments that look at destinations and experiences through the lens of a travellers with accessibility needs. The assessor will travel in Greater Sydney and each of the seven Destination Networks, visiting a variety of places and experience providers.

The destinations included in the trip were determined in collaboration with Destination NSW and the Destination Networks, with reference to the Destination Management Plans in place.

When visiting a destination and its surrounding areas, the assessor will look at the accessibility of a variety of elements, including:

  • Towns and regional centres
  • Public amenities such as parking and toilets
  • A sample of visitor experiences and attractions
  • Natural and built landmarks

The regional assessments will be used by Get Skilled Access and Destination NSW to better understand the accessible visitor experience in NSW, including what’s working well, and where NSW has opportunities for improvement. This will:

  • Inform the development of tailored capability-building resources and webinars to help NSW visitor economy businesses to better deliver and promote accessible and inclusive visitor experiences.
  • Assist Destination NSW in sharing more stories about accessible and inclusive destinations through its marketing channels.

The assessments will cover a wide range of destinations and experiences, however will not be able to include every place or attraction. The resulting initiatives, however, will be available to all visitor economy businesses and destinations.

Who will conduct the assessments?

TravAvability will conduct the regional assessments on behalf of GetSkilled Access as part of its collaboration with Destination NSW.

Adhering to guidelines set by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) for the Accessible Destination Award, TravAbility’s methodology reflects the standards of the Accessible Tourism Accreditation Module by the Australian Tourism Industry Council.

Which destinations will be included in the regional assessments?

  • Riverina Murray
  • Southern NSW
  • Sydney Surrounds South
  • Greater Sydney and the Blue Mountains
  • Sydney Surrounds North
  • North Coast
  • Country and Outback
  • Central West

Industry participation

Some businesses may be contacted as part of these regional assessments. Your participation and insights will help shape our approach to enhancing accessibility and disability inclusion in the visitor economy.

If your destination or business is not included in the regional assessments, or is unavailable to participate, you are still able to benefit from the resulting initiatives, designed to help businesses deliver great, inclusive experiences and to tell more stories about the accessible and inclusive visitor experience across NSW.

If you’d like to learn more, take a look at the Quick Tips guide, Creating Accessible and Inclusive Experiences.

To hear about upcoming NSW First Program webinars, resources or other opportunities, subscribe to the Destination NSW Insights industry newsletter. You can also let us know about your accessible visitor experience by contacting your Destination Network, or email product@dnsw.com.au.