A new guide has been released to help tourism businesses be more inclusive to all.

VisitEngland and the National Autistic Society and England's Inclusive Tourism Action Group has launched a web-based guide to help tourism businesses overcome barriers to welcoming autistic people.

The new "Welcoming Autistic People" guide will help operators to increase business through a better understanding of autism and making appropriate improvements.

VisitEngland director Andrew Stokes, said: "By following the tips in this new guide, businesses can offer autistic people and their families and friends the very best experiences when visiting our attractions, accommodation and tourism businesses, increasing the value this important sector brings to tourism and the economy across England."

The guide provides tourism businesses with tips and practical advice, including the provision of visual stories, quiet spaces, ear defenders and sensory backpacks to help autistic people and their families prepare for and enjoy a visit.

In 2015, VisitEngland researched identified that £12 billion was spent on trips where a member of the party had an impairment.

Daniel Cadey, Autism Access development manager at the National Autistic Society, said: "We were delighted to have been able to work on this important guide for businesses that will benefit autistic people and their families."

Nick Thornley on behalf of the Visit Dorset Partnership, said: "We welcome the publication of this guide and will be encouraging our members and business networks to implement the recommendations within the guide."

The Visit Dorset Tourism Partnership is made up of the district and borough councils from West Dorset, North Dorset, Christchurch, Purbeck, Easter Dorset and Weymouth & Portland.

Siún Cranny, CEO at Autism Wessex, said: "We are pleased to see the introduction of the Welcoming Autistic People guide by VisitEngland.

"Helping businesses to remove barriers that prevent children and adults with autism, as well as their families, from enjoying tourist attractions and leisure activities is a big step forward in understand and accessibility.

"At Autism Wessex, we work with many people who would benefit from tourist operators having a greater understanding of autism.

"We are lucky in Dorset to have such a wide range of fantastic attractions on our doorsteps.

"We hope this guide will encourage tourist businesses in Dorset to find suitable improvements to achieve more accessibility for people with autism and their families."

The charity has said to any business who wishes to benefit from further advice on increasing accessibility for those with autism, to call 01305 213135.