Three of the leading UK charities for disabled people - RADAR, Tourism for All UK, and the National Federation of ShopMobility - have teamed up with national tourism bodies to create OpenBritain, a new information resource for the traveller with access needs.

The UK's commitment to action against disability discrimination, and to deliver a fully accessible Games, were key elements in the success of the UK bid to host the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. Furthermore, the Games represent a major opportunity to change attitudes to disability and create a legacy of accessibility in the UK.

With this in mind, the Minister for Tourism - Barbara Follett MP and the Minister for Disabled People - Jonathan Shaw MP - officially launched OpenBritain at the National Theatre, London on Monday 6 July.

Sir William Lawrence OBE, Chairman of Tourism for All and Phil Friend, Chairman of RADAR (both wheelchair users themselves) officially welcomed over 120 invited guests and introduced key speakers.

Although she couldn't personally attend the event, the Rt Hon Tessa Jowell MP, Minister for the Olympics and Paralympics, sent a personal message, which was read out by Sir William: "We want as many people as possible to come and enjoy the London Olympic and Paralympic Games. Open Britain will give disabled visitors easy access to plan their visit, removing some of the stress and the strains of travelling and hopefully ensuring that 2012 truly is everyone's games."

What is OpenBritain?

This all new definitive guide book and website is for people with disabilities and access requirements. Tourism partners now include VisitBritain, Visit Wales, VisitScotland. The BHA is also delighted to partner this initiative.

BHA Chief Executive, Bob Cotton commented: "I'm delighted the Open Britain guide and website are going into production for 2010. So many businesses in the tourism sector are doing so many great things to provide access for disabled members of society. Now we can show the world how much we have to offer."

OpenBritain will provide a recognisable brand for all types of accessible facilities. Accommodation will cover from Hotels and B&Bs to Self Catering holiday homes and Caravan/Camping sites. Attractions, leisure facilities, places to eat and drink are to be added. The new project will be extensively promoted, with window stickers for all providers who become members, and extensive distribution of the guides.

For a long time, disabled people have been asking for a single source of information, which will highlight where to stay, where to eat and drink and how to get there. OpenBritain will remove the onerous task of having to trawl through thousands of websites, many of which do not have the information required.

The new annual guide book will replace those currently published by Tourism for All and RADAR.

OpenBritain 2010 will be published in November 2009 and the brand new website www.openbritain.net will launch in late Summer 09.

If you would like to place an advance order for OpenBritain, or make sure that your business is included, contact 01603 813740 or email [email protected]

Further information can also be found on the OpenBritain website: www.openbritain.net