On Monday, 9 June 2008, the Equality and Human Rights Commission and VisitBritain launched the PAS88 'Guidance on accessibility of large hotel premises and hotel chains' to the hotel industry.

The EHRC, with BSI British Standards, developed the standard for the accessibility of large hotels and hotel chains to assist hotels in meeting the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) which came in 1995.

The event included speakers from British Hospitality Association, VisitBritain, BSI and the London Development Agency to provide information on using the PAS88 to improve the accessibility of hotels for disabled people. It was also well attended by industry, including representatives from Travel Lodge, InterContinental, and Hilton.

Jackie Driver, Policy Head at The Equality and Human Rights Commission said: "The BSI PAS88 is a set of unique industry standards. It is a usable tool to improve accessibility. The competition set by those hotels who invest early in meeting these standards along with consumer pressure will be the leaders for change throughout the industry. I'm sure you will find it an easy to use guide and an opportunity for you to benchmark yourselves for continuing improvement."

Camilla Woods, Head of Commercial Services at the BHA added: “The BHA was very pleased to be a member of the steering group bringing it to fruition. We believe it will be of great benefit to individual hoteliers as well as to major groups. Not every hotel can make every adjustment – indeed, the requirement is that hotels must consider ‘reasonable’ adjustments. But every hotel has a duty of care towards its guests and it is vital to get that duty of care right for all guests.”

PAS88 may be obtained from BSI British Standards

For further information on any of the above please contact Nonie Benson on telephone: 0203 117 0427