Anglesey has been chosen by PIWS, a community initiative, for a pilot scheme which aims to put Access for All at the heart of the island’s tourism and leisure sector.

With 14.1 million people registered disabled in the UK, it is estimated that 1 in 4 families visiting Wales have a disabled member in their family, and with only 10 per cent using a wheelchair accessibility isn’t limited to those with mobility and physical impairments as 80 per cent have a “hidden condition”.

Davina Carey-Evans, founder of PIWS said: “The spending power of registered disabled people and their families, known as the purple pound, is £249 billion a year, and yet only 10 per cent of UK businesses have a targeted strategy for this huge market.

"The pilot scheme is about changing perceptions of disabilities and PIWS will work with businesses, the local community and visitors to bring about real and lasting change in the tourism and leisure industry on the island.

“Many businesses think accessibility means expensive alterations but with 75 per cent of disabled people and their families walking away from a UK business because of poor customer service, simple things like a warm welcome and a positive attitude go a long way in making a visitor feel comfortable.

"And having a very clear access statement on your website makes all the difference in providing customers with the information they need to make an informed decision about where to stay or visit.”

Tourism and leisure businesses can join the pilot scheme for free on the PIWS website at www.piws.co.uk and can take advantage of the guidance, training and support PIWS is offering to help them become more accessible.

The website also features case studies on Anglesey Sea Zoo, The Bull in Beaumaris, RibRide, Plas Arthur Leisure Centre and the town of Amlwch to highlight how they are addressing the needs of visitors with accessibility issues and includes “Purple Promotions” for 2021.

“When businesses have registered on to the website they will enable visitors and the local community find venues that provide supportive up to date access information," added Davina.

"This though is only one element, as the site also actively encourages visitors and the local community to give feedback on their visit so we can gain a greater understanding in the barriers faced by people with accessibility issues and work together to overcome them.

“Accessibility for all to tourism facilities, products and services regardless of a person’s limitations is essential and by improving access we will keep Anglesey at the forefront of UK holiday destinations.”

The pilot scheme has been funded through a grant from the Anglesey Charitable Trust and includes a marketing campaign across social media, a door drop campaign to all Anglesey households and being visible throughout tourism and leisure businesses.

The scheme will be assessed later in the year with a view to rolling it out across Wales.