Holistic Technical Solutions to Enhance Accessible Tourism in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Abstract

The aim of this chapter is to present current accessibility to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the example of Cracow and Warsaw, the most popular historical cities in Poland. The disabled represent a significant proportion of the cultural tourism group and might have considerable importance to the development of tourist industry. However, their needs are not always met. Especially in Warsaw specific problems for tourists with disabilities include: poor information, inaccessible streets and sidewalks, only partly accessible public transport, hotels or dining places, museums and architectural relics. In Poland tourism development in the heritage sites could be a positive force for generating revenue, enhancing cultural education and helping to preserve the historic values. However, it might be done under condition of re-examining current trends of planning and introducing a universal, holistic design philosophy, innovative technologies enhancing accessibility to all tourist infrastructure, facilities and services.