As the travel and tourism industry evolves, accessibility and inclusion have become vital considerations for businesses striving to cater to all visitors. At this year’s British Tourism & Travel Show, Hester Grainger, ADHD coach, speaker, and co-founder of Perfectly Autistic, will highlight how organisations can better support neurodivergent customers and create truly inclusive experiences in the panel session, “Travel Without Limits: Designing for Accessibility and Inclusion” on Wednesday 19 March, 3-3:50pm in the Keynote Theatre.
We caught up with Hester to explore her work, her thoughts on accessibility in tourism, and the advice she has for businesses looking to become more inclusive.
Introducing Hester Grainger
Hester Grainger is an ADHD coach, speaker and co-founder of Perfectly Autistic which she runs with her husband Kelly. The former radio and TV presenter was diagnosed with ADHD in her forties, after Kelly and their children were diagnosed as autistic / ADHD. Working with organisations to raise awareness of neurodiversity in the workplace, they also help support neurodivergent customers. They have worked with a host of organisations including Royal Caribbean, Heathrow Express and on a year long project with TUI. This year, Hester is going on a 35-date UK theatre tour with her new live show ADHD Unmasked.
Can you tell us more about your business and what it does?
“We launched Perfectly Autistic in 2020 and it is a neurodiversity consultancy that helps businesses and organisations better understand and support neurodivergent people. It is run by myself and my husband Kelly. We are both neurodivergent with Kelly being diagnosed as autistic / ADHD in his forties and me being diagnosed with ADHD at 43.
We offer a range of services, including:
- Keynote speaking and training where we deliver engaging and insightful talks and workshops on neurodiversity, inclusion and workplace accessibility.
- ADHD and autism coaching – supporting neurodivergent individuals in navigating work and life challenges.
- Workplace mediation so we help resolve conflicts and improve communication in the workplace, particularly where neurodiversity is a factor.
- Consulting and strategy – guiding businesses to create genuinely inclusive environments that benefit neurodivergent employees and improve overall workplace culture.
- Our mission is to shift the narrative around neurodiversity from awareness to action—helping companies go beyond ticking boxes and instead foster truly inclusive, supportive and productive workplaces.”
What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of your job?
“The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the real impact our work has on people’s lives. Whether it’s helping an ADHD client better understand their brain or supporting a business in becoming more inclusive, those ‘aha’ moments are incredible.
“As an ADHD coach, there’s nothing better than watching someone go from feeling stuck and frustrated to thriving. I also love helping companies recognise that supporting neurodivergent talent isn’t just about compliance—it’s about unlocking potential.
“The biggest challenge? While the conversation around neurodiversity is improving, there’s still a long way to go. Misconceptions remain, and many organisations are hesitant to take action beyond surface-level efforts.”
What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
“Treat people how you want to be treated.”
What’s your key takeaway of the year so far?
“That the narrative around neurodiversity is shifting, but there is still a long way to go.”
What are you most looking forward to discovering or experiencing at BTTS 2025?
“Speaking on the panel and hearing my fellow panelists discuss accessible travel through their unique perspectives.”
Why do you think BTTS is a must-attend event for those who organise group travel?
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to discover the latest trends, network with industry professionals, gain insights, build partnerships, and hear from inspiring speakers.”
What can visitors expect to learn or experience from your session that will benefit their business or organisation?
“Visitors will leave with:
- A clearer understanding of how neurodivergent individuals experience travel differently.
- Practical steps to make destinations, services, and experiences more inclusive and accessible.
- Insight into why supporting neurodivergent customers isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a smart business move.”
Hester passion for fostering inclusivity and ensuring that neurodivergent individuals are not just acknowledged but actively supported is clear. Through her work, she is determined to shift the conversation from compliance to empowerment, helping businesses embrace neurodiversity as an asset rather than a challenge.
