A Paradigm Shift Towards Accessible Tourism
Accessible tourism does not stigmatize tourists with physical difficulties by considering them all as socially vulnerable groups.
The tourism industry has long been viewed as a privilege for the able-bodied, but the tides are turning. In recent years, there has been a seismic shift in the way we view and approach “Accessible tourism.” The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has taken a bold stance, stating that non-discriminatory access to tourism is a universal right, and providing precise guidelines for enhancing the accessibility of fundamental tourism facilities.
“UNWTO has declared the obligation of non-discriminatory access to tourism for all and adopted the universal right to tourism in The Global Code of Ethics for Tourism.”
However, despite these progressive steps, confusion still surrounds the concept of accessible tourism. Terms such as “Tourism for the disabled,” “Barrier-free tourism,” “Accessible tourism,” and “Tourism for all” are used interchangeably, leading to misunderstandings about what accessible tourism truly means.
Is it about the physical conditions of tourists, or is it about the physical conditions of tourism sites? Is it about welfare or marketing?
A Paradigm Shift Towards Accessible Tourism
Disability Discourse: Medical Model vs. Social Model
Accessible tourism is a concept that has developed alongside a paradigm shift in disability discourse. Prior to the emergence of the social model of disability, which emphasizes social responsibility and the context in understanding individual disabilities, disability was primarily understood through an individual or medical model.
The individual or medical model viewed disability as a personal tragedy, placing the burden of adaptation and rehabilitation on the individual with the disability.
In contrast, the social model is rooted in the theory of social oppression, interpreting the contextual factors that contribute to the disability experienced by individuals in social activities.
Welfare tourism, Social tourism, & Inclusive tourism
The paradigm shift in disability studies has not been fully reflected in the tourism industry from the beginning. The concept that first considered accessibility issues based on physical characteristics in tourism policy can be called “Welfare tourism.” UNWTO has presented the concept of welfare tourism including the right to rest for people with physical difficulties, and the International Bureau of Social Tourism (BITS) has also mentioned social policy measures for those who are limited to travel for physical reasons.
In addition, there has been discussion on “Social tourism,” which aims to involve economically and socially vulnerable groups in tourism, and “Inclusive tourism,” which seeks to provide equal tourism benefits to socially vulnerable groups. These policies can be considered the beginning of accessible tourism, as they aim to ensure the leisure and tourism rights of those who do not enjoy the right to tourism and provide institutional measures for equal access to tourism opportunities.
However, these concepts have a limitation in that they can stigmatize tourists with physical difficulties by considering them all as socially vulnerable groups, and they are closer to the medical model in the disability paradigm, as they perceive individuals with low tourism accessibility from a paternalistic perspective.
Barrier-free tourism
“Barrier-free tourism” is closer to the social model, recognizing that disabilities are caused by social barriers and that the social structure and environment must be improved first. Barrier-free tourism is a concept applied in the tourism industry based on the social movement to eliminate physical and institutional barriers that hinder people with disabilities or the elderly. In other words, it is a perspective that seeks to eliminate the causes of tourism constraints by improving the tourism environment to be accessible to everyone.
Therefore, it can be considered progressive in that it provides equal opportunities for tourism to tourists with physical discomfort by improving the tourism environment institutionally. However, it is still difficult to consider it a universal approach, as it continues to perceive tourists as vulnerable groups.
Accessible tourism
The concept of tourism that incorporates a holistic perspective on the issue of accessibility, recognizing individuals with physical disabilities and other limitations as part of the general tourist population, is reflected in the notion of “Accessible tourism.”
This was first introduced by the UNWTO at its Manila conference, where the concept of tourism accessibility was presented as a crucial means for enhancing the quality of life and promoting human development. The UNWTO recommended a non-discriminatory approach to this issue, emphasizing universal rights to tourism for all individuals.
This principle was further enshrined in the International Code of Ethics for Tourism, adopted at the 13th UNWTO conference, which specifies the universal right of every individual, including youth, persons with disabilities, seniors, and families, to experience and enjoy tourism without any barriers.
Progress in Accessible tourism
Subsequently, practical efforts to overcome exclusion and promote equality in the tourism industry have continued. The UNWTO adopted “Accessible Tourism for All” at the World Tourism Conference, developing guidelines for facilities that ensure barrier-free tourism and specifying the requirements for components of tourism services. It also published the “Recommendations on Accessible Tourism” and provided specific guidelines for improving basic facility accessibility, such as tourist attractions, terminals, restaurants, accommodations, convenience facilities, museums, and conference facilities.
More recently, the concept of “Tourism for All–Promoting Universal Accessibility” has been adopted, defining accessible tourism as providing tourism environments, products, and services in accordance with Universal Design principles and further elaborating on recommendations (UNWTO, 2016). In other words, internationally recognized accessible tourism policies not only aim to enhance accessibility to tourism by removing structural barriers based on individual physical conditions and social environments, but also involve designing tourism environments that take into account the needs of individuals with all physical conditions.
Conclusion
To truly understand the importance of accessible tourism, let’s consider the example of a family with a child who has autism. For them, a simple trip to the beach can be a daunting experience. Loud noises, unfamiliar surroundings, and crowds of people can be overwhelming for the child, making it difficult for the family to enjoy their vacation. But with accessible tourism, we can create an environment that is welcoming and accommodating for individuals with autism and their families. By providing sensory-friendly rooms, quiet areas, and trained staff who understand the unique needs of individuals with autism, we can create a truly inclusive travel experience.
The truth is, accessible tourism is about much more than just physical accommodations. It’s about creating an inclusive experience that caters to the needs of every individual, regardless of their physical abilities. Accessible tourism represents a significant step forward in promoting inclusivity and social responsibility in the tourism industry. By prioritizing accessibility features and creating an environment that caters to the needs of every individual, we can ensure that everyone can enjoy traveling comfortably and safely, regardless of their physical abilities or limitations.
This concept recognizes the universal right to tourism and promotes human development by providing opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate fully in society. By embracing accessible tourism, we can create a more equitable world and open up new doors of opportunity for all. Let us strive towards a future where everyone can explore and enjoy the beauty of the world around us without barriers or limitations.
Author’s note:
I — Wangoo Lee — am a researcher in the field of travel and hospitality experiences, including understanding the distinctive roles of tourist eudaimonic and hedonic experiences
