Blue Badge Access
Awards
‘Celebrating exceptional venues, organisations & people that welcome everyone’
OPEN until April 1st 2025.
Design & Guest Innovation Competition
OPEN until April 15th 2025
The Blue Badge Access Awards 2024/25, set the Gold Standard for Access in the wider hospitality sector, is on the hunt for the very best in accessibility for the disabled guest, and aims to reward hotels, restaurants, leisure and tourism venues and people that are getting ‘accessibility with style’ right.
The Launch of the 24/25 Awards
At Gaucho, Piccadilly, announced the new LGBT+ Accessible Venue Award and the theme of the 24/25 Awards - 'Intersectionality' - a gay disabled person may use a wheelchair & have partial hearing, for example. At the Launch were members of the disability, hospitality and media world. The champagne flowed thanks to Gaucho restaurant and the beer was donated by Peroni. A good time was had by all and there was a new energy to increase 'access for all'.
Blue Badge Access Awards 2023/24 Winners
The winners of the prestigious BLUE BADGE ACCESS AWARDS 2023 were announced at an exciting ceremony at London’s Great Scotland Yard Hotel. The Blue Badge Access Awards raised the profile of accessibility in hospitality and beyond and recognised those venues that are getting it right.
The eleven Awards from loos, to hotels, spa’s and bars were presented to venues and individuals that have truly excelled in providing exceptional accessibility, style, and design …and also to those who haven’t! The winners and highly commended can be seen on this link and in summary they were,
Roberto Leonardi, GM at Kimpton Fitzroy Receiving Best Luxury Hotel 2023 From Stephen Maley MD HEWI UK
The Catey's Accessibility Award 2023: Presentation by Fiona jarvis from BBAA to AbleStay, Guest Accommodation for People With Complex Needs
Robin Sheppard, Co-founder of the BBAA Awards, and President of Bespoke Hotels said:
“We’re thrilled with the response to our 2023 Awards. After eight years of trying to persuade the hospitality industry to put “access” higher up their collective agenda I am delighted to say that tonight’s award ceremony is testament to the progress that has been made. We have witnessed a much wider acceptance of the need to do better. We had an embarrassment of riches in terms of nominations and some very worthy entries. Congratulations to all our winners and runners up this evening.”
Fiona Jarvis, Co-Founder of the BBAA awards and Chief Judge said:
“This was a very emotional and positive evening as all the nominees and winners were there with the common goal of making places hospitable for all. None were complacent and all wanted to know how they could do better. BUT…. The list to choose from for our Ludicrous Loo & Ridiculous Ramp awards was unbelievable and show that there is more to be done. It’s hard to remain positive when you hear of such disregard for 19% of the population. Bad access and practices at venues must be called to account and we name the following.........read more on this link.
Access For All On A Global Stage
The Awards were first launched at the House of Lords in 2016 to recognise, celebrate and reward accessibility across hotels, restaurants and other public venues worldwide.
The judges focus on style, thoughtful design, innovation and liberty that delivers exceptional accessibility. The aim is to encourage hospitality industry bosses, architects and designers worldwide to consider ways in which they can address the current and future needs of disabled guests.