VisitBritain, a prominent tourism agency, has distributed a comprehensive guide outlining inclusive language practices, advising against the use of terms like "blacklist," "man hours,"

and "blindspot." The agency aims to cultivate a culture of belonging by promoting language that respects diversity and inclusivity.

The 18-point guide encourages partners in the tourism industry to adopt positive and respectful language, particularly when referring to disabilities. Negative terms such as "suffers from," "is a victim of," and "handicapped" are discouraged in favor of more respectful alternatives.

In the new guidelines, VisitBritain suggests replacing outdated terms with more inclusive language. For instance, "person hours" is recommended instead of "man hours," and "deny list" is proposed as an alternative to "blacklist." Similarly, terms like "guru" are discouraged due to potential cultural appropriation, with "expert" suggested as a more suitable replacement.

Furthermore, the guide emphasizes the importance of considering the sensitivities of individuals with disabilities. Words like "lame" should not be used derogatorily, and alternatives such as "uncool" or "cheesy" are suggested. Additionally, phrases like "sanity check" are advised to be replaced with "confidence check," while "man up" should be substituted with "be brave."

VisitBritain's initiative aims to shape the future of events hosted by its partners, encouraging them to create inclusive environments for all attendees. The agency underscores the need for language that reflects respect and sensitivity toward diverse backgrounds and experiences.

However, the guide has received criticism from some quarters, with Sir John Hayes CBE, chairman of the Common Sense Group of Tory MPs, labeling it as "out of touch." Despite this, VisitBritain stands by its commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity within the tourism industry.

As VisitBritain continues to play a pivotal role in promoting Britain's visitor economy and advising the government on tourism matters, its inclusive language guidelines signal a step toward creating more welcoming and inclusive spaces for all. Photo by Graham Richardson from Plymouth, England, Wikimedia commons.