Problems Encountered in the Development of Accessible Tourism for People with Disabilities and Solution Suggestions
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Abstract
This article analyzes the fundamental problems restricting the tourism experiences of individuals with disabilities and presents comprehensive solution strategies for the development of accessible tourism. Accessible tourism, which plays a critical role in the context of the full and equal participation of individuals with disabilities in social life and their enjoyment of fundamental human rights, faces significant challenges in practice. Foremost among these challenges are infrastructural and environmental inadequacies, barriers in information and communication, deficiencies in service quality, negative societal attitudes, and shortcomings at the policy level. The study emphasizes the necessity of a holistic, rights-based approach—which adopts Universal Design principles, is supported by strong legal regulations, relies on effective inter-stakeholder collaboration, and includes comprehensive training and awareness initiatives—to overcome these multidimensional problems. It is concluded that the implementation of accessible tourism should be regarded as a strategic goal that provides significant social and economic benefits not only for individuals with disabilities but also for the entire society and the tourism sector.
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