Empowering people with visual disabilities through rural tourism: the benefits of nature activities and how the various travel constraints can be overcome
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引用次数: 1
Abstract
ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to identify the main constraints faced by people with visual disabilities (PwVD) when visiting a rural destination, as well as the benefits sought through their participation in rural tourism. Furthermore, this study also intends to identify the main strategies used by PwVD to overcome the barriers encountered in rural destinations. A triangulation of qualitative methods was used to collect and analyse data, comprising various online forums and blogs posts related to the tourism experiences of PwVD, together with fifteen semi-structured interviews conducted with Portuguese PwVD. The results reveal that PwVD find rural destinations compelling and that they look for sensorial stimuli in nature as a means for self-development and relaxation, while the lack of public transport and accessible information dissuades PwVD from seeking rural tourism experiences. These constraints are often overcome with the use of various smartphone apps, the aid of travel companions, or the help of residents. Based on the results obtained in this study, a set of guidelines is proposed to improve the level of accessibility of rural tourism destinations, contributing to the empowerment of PwVD.
期刊介绍:
Tourism Recreation Research is a multidisciplinary international journal now published quarterly; it focuses on research problems in various tourism and recreational environments — ecological, economic, and socio-cultural — and attempts to seek solutions for sustainable development. Contributions are also encouraged on fundamental research concepts and theories. The journal carries regular features such as Research Note, Post-Published Reviews and Book Reviews. The ‘Research Note’ provides opportunity for scholars who have attained sufficient maturity to establish reliable findings in their field of research. The ‘Post-Published Review’ section has been introduced to capture deep insights into the papers that have already been published in Tourism Recreation Research to fill in gaps in the received information. Strong emphasis is laid on original research and readable prose.