Latest News

How accessible is your self-catering accommodation?

5th October 2018
Home | Latest News | How accessible is your self-catering accommodation?
 

According to the Papworth Trust1 an estimated 1.9 million households in the United Kingdom require some adaptations to improve accessibility. Between 2009 and 2013 this number increased by 12.4%. Accessibility is a key issue in the lives of many people with disabilities, and this is not limited to their home life. Going on holiday comes with a variety of challenges that self-caterers can help resolve for their differently-abled guests.

In 2015 accessible tourism contributed £3.2 billion (16%) towards the total spend on overnight trips in the UK2. Coupled with the fact that people with impairments and disabilities on average stay longer and spend more3 , making a few (relatively easily) changes is a smart investment for self-caterers.

What can you do?

Almost half a million British adults with an impairment stated lack of accessibility provision as a reason for not going on holiday in the UK2. The most common adaptations listed below4 are relatively easy to implement and can make a lasting difference to your guests’ holiday experience:

  • Grab rails inside the home.
  • Bath/shower seats.
  • An acceptable bath/shower.
  • Specially adapted toilet seats.

But there’s so much more you could do. Wheelchair users require more space to manoeuvre, if you provide parking for your guests can you allocate a reserved parking bay? The grading criteria for the National Accessible Scheme includes a range of mobility, hearing and visual measures ranging from simple recommendations like providing armed dining chairs, a cordless kettle and choosing lever door handles and taps when you next replace them, through to installing two heights of clothes rails, turning circles in the bedroom and bathroom and adding ramps5.

Top tip: You can add any bookable disabled facilities (hoist, bed rail, mobile shower chair etc.) as a Booking option for your property in SuperControl; it’s also helpful to include eg disabled parking or ground floor access if you have it as a search variable.

Takeaway advice

Currently 17% of SuperControllers have at least one accessible property in their holiday rental portfolio, representing just 5% of properties. David and Felicity Brown are the owners of Hoe Grange Holidays,  award-winning self-catering  holidays in the Derbyshire Peak District.  They’ve been a part of the SuperControl community since 2010 and it’s been fantastic to see them receive recognition for their commitment to providing high quality wheelchair accessible holidays with outstanding disabled facilities and a wide range of specialist equipment during this time.

David says,

“Offering accessible accommodation is nothing to be fearful of, many of the adaptations can be unobtrusive and low cost. A bit of careful thought and design can make the world of difference. Space is the most important thing. The market is huge and the customers are loyal. Remember it’s not all about wheelchairs!”

Inclusivity is pivotal in society, adjusting your holiday rental to suit all types of people is one way you can comprehensively meet your guest’s needs.


1 Source: The Papworth Trust
2 Source: GB Tourism Survey 2015
3 Average length of stay is 3.3 nights and average spend £210 (compared to an overall average of 2.9 nights and £191 spend). Source: GB Tourism Survey 2015
4 Source: DLF.org.uk
5 Source: National Accessible Scheme

Similar Articles

View all
Booking behaviour / Self-Catering Resources

Quirky vacation rentals

Market intelligence / Self-Catering Resources

Create top photos to sell your holiday rental

Market intelligence / Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Regulation in the self-catering industry: Setting up your business

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Self-catering dictionary

Market intelligence / Self-Catering Resources

Maximizing the value of every booking

Market intelligence / Self-Catering Resources

5 easy ways to boost midweek bookings

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Which OTA is right for you? Your Booking.com questions answered

Market intelligence / Self-Catering Resources

Business rates down one third for English and Welsh self-caterers

Market intelligence / Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Regulation in the self-catering industry: mortgages and short-term lets

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources

Google is 'mobile first' - what does that mean for your self-catering business?

Industry forecasts / Market intelligence / Self-Catering Resources

Industry analysis: 2017 in review

Market intelligence / Self-Catering Resources

How to get more bookings from the channels you advertise on

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

The art of storytelling in three short steps

Market intelligence / Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

How to grow your self-catering business with smarter pricing

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Reputable reviews are crucial for every self-catering business

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources

Virtual reality: the future of holiday rentals?

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Security tips to stay safe online: extra checks

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Security tips to stay safe online: accessing your accounts

Market intelligence / Self-Catering Resources

What do guests expect from self-catering accommodation providers?

Market intelligence / Self-Catering Resources

The shocking cost of not taking bookings online

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Do you invest in the experience economy?

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Innovative upselling is the key to profitable self-catering

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Be UpFront with Reviews

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Help for those who don't yet accept online payments

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Why blogs are good for business

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Seven steps to add value and be extraordinary!

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Can your guests pay online? Five reasons to give them that choice

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Can't keep up? Four simple ways to stay social

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

The art of getting positive reviews

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Why we should be revelling in reviews

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Is there a best time to send a marketing email?

Market intelligence / Self-Catering Resources

Your website: what holiday makers are really looking for?

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Top five offers and added value ideas

Latest news / Market intelligence / Self-Catering Resources / Test / Work Smart

Leap Ahead in Guest Communication: 29 Automated Touchpoints with SuperControl

Booking behaviour / Industry forecasts / Latest news / Market intelligence / Self-Catering Resources

Top Trends: Navigating 2024's Top Holiday Rental Trends: What Self-Caterers Need to Know

Booking behaviour / Market intelligence / Self-Catering Resources

Maximising Occupancy in the Era of Last-minute Bookings: A Guide to Lead Times and Channel Management

Market intelligence / Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Understanding Revenue Management

Booking behaviour / Market intelligence / Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Professionally Priced in 2022

Market intelligence / Self-Catering Resources

How to Adapt your Strategy and Tactics to Navigate Government Restrictions

Market intelligence / Self-Catering Resources

Self-catering booking trends through UK lockdown to 26 May 2020

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Christmas bookings ... in August

Market intelligence / Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Regulation in the self-catering industry: insurance and short-term lets

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

12 ways to ensure your holiday cottage is autism-friendly

Market intelligence / Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Regulation in the self-catering industry: fire safety

Industry forecasts / Self-Catering Resources

Regulation in the self-catering industry: an overview

Market intelligence / Self-Catering Resources

Holiday cottage descriptions: does what you write really make a difference?

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

What is a SuperControl licence and how many do you need?

Industry forecasts / Market intelligence / Self-Catering Resources

How will the card payment surcharge ban affect the UK self-catering industry?

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

5 ways to prove your holiday rental is the best

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Use your data to get more bookings

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Increase visibility and get your self-catering business seen

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Does your website give guests what they want?

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Security tips to stay safe online: securing your passwords

Market intelligence / Self-Catering Resources

Self-catering analysis: 2016 in review

Admin / Booking engine / Knowledge base

Create a sanctuary for your guests

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Three ways to incentivise your guests to book directly

Market intelligence / Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Are UK self-caterers charging enough?

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Six reasons to showcase your accommodation on Instagram

Booking behaviour / Industry forecasts / Latest news / Market intelligence / Self-Catering Resources

Rural self-catering in England worth £3bn per year

Latest news / Market intelligence / Self-Catering Resources

Holiday rental industry warns European Commission of dangers of excessive regulation

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Remove the barriers that stop guests from booking your self-catering property

Latest news / Market intelligence / Self-Catering Resources

Are you paying too much VAT on your fuel bills?

Latest news / Market intelligence / Self-Catering Resources

What does Brexit mean for the self-catering sector?

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

More than one-third of Britons are still to book their summer holiday

Market intelligence / Self-Catering Resources

Card payment surcharges - do you pass them on to your guests?

Market intelligence / Self-Catering Resources

Are your bookings up this year?

Booking behaviour / Market intelligence / Self-Catering Resources

Record-shattering start to 2016

Market intelligence / Self-Catering Resources

Industry analysis: 2015 in review

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

How can agencies help boost your self-catering business?

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

How to attract last-minute bookings

Market intelligence / Self-Catering Resources

The average cost of self-catering accommodation in Britain

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Do you offer value for money?

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Switch on to the benefits of channel management

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

A winning integration for owners of large properties

Industry forecasts / Self-Catering Resources

How are your summer bookings shaping up?

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Tips for boosting your midweek bookings

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Tips for creating a winning property listing

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Is your website mobile-friendly?

Market intelligence / Self-Catering Resources

Visa debit card changes: what you need to know

Booking behaviour / Market intelligence / Self-Catering Resources

How are your bookings shaping up so far this year?

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Tips to help you improve your website's ranking

Booking behaviour / Self-Catering Resources

Are you ready for November?

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

5 Reasons to send an e-newsletter

Booking behaviour / Market intelligence / Self-Catering Resources

How are your term-time bookings measuring up?

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

How to stay safe on the Internet

Market intelligence / Self-Catering Resources

Find out about legal changes to taking online bookings and payments

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Our guide to getting the most out of local searches

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Find out what web developers like about SuperControl

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Six steps to securing repeat bookings

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Five reasons why verified reviews are great

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

When and how to ask for reviews

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Should you reply to all reviews?

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

How to respond to negative reviews

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

The gorgeous guide to getting noticed

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

The travel buying cycle. Stage #5: Sharing

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

The travel buying cycle. Stage #4: Experiencing

Market intelligence / Self-Catering Resources

It's the generation game!

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

The travel buying cycle. Stage #3: Booking

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

The travel buying cycle. Stage #2: Planning

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Online booking: it's all about customer choice

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Psst ... interested in Instagram?

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Using social media to improve customer service

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Value for money

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Positioning for performance

Market intelligence / Self-Catering Resources

Effective and free: Google Places for self-catering

Market intelligence / Self-Catering Resources

TV licensing for self-catering accommodation

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

To list or not to list?

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Your local knowledge

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Social networking: what can Google+ do for your self-catering business?

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Social networking: what can Flickr do for your self-catering business?

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Social networking: what can YouTube do for your self-catering business?

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Social networking : what can Pinterest do for your self-catering business?

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Social networking : what can Twitter do for your self-catering business?

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Social networking : what can Facebook do for your self-catering business?

Market intelligence / News / Work Smart

Guest Blog: Top 5 Tips from Coolstays to Help Your Property Stand Out Online

Latest news / Market intelligence

Prepare Your Self-Catering Agency for HMRC’s New Reporting Rules  

Booking behaviour / Market intelligence / News

Can UK Properties Still Capitalise on Summer Bookings? 

Market intelligence / News

Understanding New HMRC Reporting Rules: A Guide for Self-Catering Agencies 

Careers / Latest news / Self-Catering Resources

The Good Vibe Tribe: 2023 Round Up

Booking behaviour / Self-Catering Resources

Warm Up to Winter: Your Guide to Seasonal Bookings

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Navigating the Review Landscape and Embracing Feedback

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources

SuperControl Spotlight Story: Emma of Vale Farm and the Value of Reviews

Booking behaviour / Self-Catering Resources

Using Booking Extras to Craft a Hauntingly Memorable Halloween Guest Experience

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

The Power of Insight: Why Self-Caterers Need Google Analytics for Direct Bookings

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources

SuperControl Spotlight Story: Celebrating 30 Years with The Gardeners Cottages

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Driving Guest Satisfaction with SuperControl's Guest Login

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources

Celebrating SuperControl’s Win as "Best Supply Contribution" Partner of Booking.com

Booking behaviour / Self-Catering Resources

Reignite the Booking Spark: Encouraging Rebooking Using SuperControl's Auto Email Functionality

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources

Brenda's Journey: From Cheetahs to Championing SuperScholar, an Unforgettable Learning Adventure

Booking behaviour / Self-Catering Resources

SuperControl's World Tour: Exploring Self-Catering Trends from Around the Globe

Booking behaviour / Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Sizzle Into Summer: Your Essential Self-Catering Peak Season Checklist

Booking behaviour / Latest news / Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Unlocking the Power of Direct Bookings with SuperControl: Tips and Strategies for Success

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

How to keep your SuperControl account spick and span

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources / Uncategorised

The Devil’s in the Data: 3 ways to streamline your self-catering business in 2023 

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources

Christmas Crackers with Tobias

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources

Under the bonnet with Arkadiusz Rzyduch

Booking behaviour / Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Pausing, planning and preparation: Getting your self-catering business ready for 2023

Booking behaviour / Self-Catering Resources

A Guide to Winter Bookings

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources

Under the Bonnet with Shani Asbridge

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources

Under the Bonnet with Jade Winning

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Boosting your revenue in an energy crisis

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources

Under the Bonnet with Shona Crowshaw

Booking behaviour / Self-Catering Resources

Booking Brilliance: How Dynamic Pricing and Upselling Add Value from Pay to Stay

Booking behaviour / Latest news / Self-Catering Resources

Peak Season Booking Behaviour

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources

Under the Bonnet with Gary Irving

Booking behaviour / Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Booking Channel Success: Back to Basics

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources

Under the Bonnet with Megan Russell

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Going for gold? How to apply for self-catering and tourism awards.

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources

Under the Bonnet with Bradley Proudfoot

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources

Prune or Plum? Michelin Star-Like Properties with Plum Guide

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources

Under the bonnet with Pawel Kruza

Booking behaviour / Self-Catering Resources

The Staycation Boom Continues 

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources

Under the Bonnet of SuperControl with Rosie Georgeson

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources

Under the Bonnet of SuperControl with Daniel McMillan

Booking behaviour / Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Perfectly Priced with Trevorrick Farm

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

The Power of Premium with Premier Cottages

Booking behaviour / Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Debunking the Myths of Dynamic Pricing

Booking behaviour / Self-Catering Resources

Together, we make the remarkable happen!

Booking behaviour / Latest news / Self-Catering Resources

Payments, Authentication and Security: Understanding 3DS

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources / Uncategorised

Stepping up for Mental Health

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources

The Value of Trade Associations

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources

Exploring Self-Catering in Ireland with Decoy Country Cottages

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources

Castles and Client Care with Tobias

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources

No keys? No problem! Attracting New Guests with RemoteLock

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources

Adapt and Learn with Hoe Grange Holidays

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources

Self-catering, SuperControl and Saltbox Escapes

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Lights, Camera… Gweithredu! Dioni Holiday Cottages

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources / Uncategorised / Work Smart

Dealing Direct Thanks to Life at SuperControl

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Dedicated to your Data

Booking behaviour / Latest news / Self-Catering Resources

Spotlight: Berehayes Secret Recipe to Booking Success

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources

SuperScholar - Championing Savvy Self-Caterers

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources

Sharing the Love on Valentine's Day

Self-Catering Resources

Strengthening the Self-Catering Sector

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources

Building Windmills

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Preparing for booking recovery

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources

Vrbo Post Covering Covid-19

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources

COVID-19 Heightened Security Awareness

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources

How SuperControl is preparing for PSD2

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Marketing your holiday rental business: an overview

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Regulation in the self-catering industry: health and safety

Booking behaviour / Latest news / Self-Catering Resources

The top 5 self-catering trends

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources

SuperControl is helping self-catering businesses prepare for GDPR

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources

Government to stop card payment surcharges

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

3 ways to get more bookings from your Airbnb listing

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Increase profits with every booking

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources

European Holiday Home Awards 2017: enter now

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Targeting your website audience on Facebook

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Target your guest database directly using Facebook

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Save money and reach more travellers by targeting your Facebook posts

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

A premier offering to guests and self-catering accommodation providers

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources

Scottish self-catering sector worth £723 million pa, finds ASSC

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources

One booking every 25 seconds!

Admin / Booking engine / Knowledge base

Indulge your self-catering guests and earn some commission

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

Self-caterers: virtual property tours boost your visibility and your bookings

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources

The new SuperControl site has support and resources to meet all your self-catering needs

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources

European Holiday Home Awards 2016: winners announced

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources

SuperControl channel manager launches new two-way connection with Airbnb

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources

Does your glamping accommodation meet VisitEngland's stamp of quality?

Booking behaviour / Industry forecasts / Self-Catering Resources

August booking patterns: what should you expect?

Booking engine / Features / Knowledge base

Data security and protection

Knowledge base / Reporting and analysis

Self-catering business reports

Booking engine / Features / Knowledge base

Self-catering marketing tools

Booking engine / Features / Knowledge base

Flexible booking options

Knowledge base

Booking is a 3 step process

Latest news / Self-Catering Resources

SuperControl's superstars

Booking behaviour / Self-Catering Resources

92% of guests expect to be able to "Book now"

Booking behaviour / Self-Catering Resources

January's been a record-breaker

Booking behaviour / Industry forecasts / Self-Catering Resources

What's in store for self-caterers in Q1?

Booking behaviour / Self-Catering Resources

The bottom line on bookings

Booking behaviour / Self-Catering Resources

Top holiday search terms: 'Pet-friendly' and 'Dog-friendly'

Self-Catering Resources

Objections to taking online bookings; what's yours?

Guest management / Knowledge base

3 Ways SuperControl helps improve guest satisfaction

Booking behaviour / Industry forecasts / Self-Catering Resources

Get ready - 3 self-catering booking trends to expect in August

Booking behaviour / Self-Catering Resources

Making last minute bookings work for you

Booking behaviour / Self-Catering Resources

Not taking bookings online? Here's what you could be missing (in £££s)

Self-Catering Resources

Get online bookings on VisitScotland.com with SuperControl

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

10 Simple Steps to Safeguard your Business Online

Self-Catering Resources / Work Smart

The Travel Buying Cycle. Stage #1: Dreaming

Booking behaviour / News / Work Smart

3 Common Pricing Challenges and How Dynamic Pricing Solves Them 

News / Work Smart

Escape the Haunted Pricing Trap: How to Use Dynamic Pricing to Break Free from Underperforming Rates  

News / Work Smart

The Task at Hand: Managing Compliance for Large Portfolios

Latest news / News

SuperControl’s Chris Baxter Discusses PMS Strategies on Yapstone Podcast 

News / Work Smart

Wondering If You’re Leaving Money on the Table? Price Labs Can Help 

Booking behaviour / Latest news

Why Bank Transfers Might Be Costing You Direct Bookings (And What You Can Do About It)

News / Work Smart

Unlock the Power of Data with the Key Data Dashboard and SuperControl

 

Schedule a call with one of our specialist Business Development Consultants and find out how our fully integrated
Property Management System, Channel Manager and industry leading partnerships can help your business thrive.

This website uses cookies
This site uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience. We use necessary cookies to make sure that our website works. We’d also like to set analytics cookies that help us make improvements by measuring how you use the site. By clicking “Allow All”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyse site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
These cookies are required for basic functionalities such as accessing secure areas of the website, remembering previous actions and facilitating the proper display of the website. Necessary cookies are often exempt from requiring user consent as they do not collect personal data and are crucial for the website to perform its core functions.
A “preferences” cookie is used to remember user preferences and settings on a website. These cookies enhance the user experience by allowing the website to remember choices such as language preferences, font size, layout customization, and other similar settings. Preference cookies are not strictly necessary for the basic functioning of the website but contribute to a more personalised and convenient browsing experience for users.
A “statistics” cookie typically refers to cookies that are used to collect anonymous data about how visitors interact with a website. These cookies help website owners understand how users navigate their site, which pages are most frequently visited, how long users spend on each page, and similar metrics. The data collected by statistics cookies is aggregated and anonymized, meaning it does not contain personally identifiable information (PII).
Marketing cookies are used to track user behaviour across websites, allowing advertisers to deliver targeted advertisements based on the user’s interests and preferences. These cookies collect data such as browsing history and interactions with ads to create user profiles. While essential for effective online advertising, obtaining user consent is crucial to comply with privacy regulations.