Tourism

Economic Impulses of Accessible Tourism for All (German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology, 2004) (pdf)

A German study commissioned to find out the economic, rather than the social, significance of making tourism accessible for all. It seeks to identify the customer potential of PWD and the resulting economic impacts. It also intends to produce the first data on the demand and travel behavior of this group in Germany.

Disability and Human Rights Questions for Geotourism Projects (Scott Rains) (pdf)

A guide for those doing geotourism projects to increase their understanding and inclusion of disability culture and guide the design of their projects.

Accessible Tourism: understanding an evolving part of Australian tourism (Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre, 2008) (pdf)

This research investigates a variety of challenges and elements to be addressed by the tourism industry in developing more positive, accessible tourism experiences for travelers with a disability or others with access needs (including the elderly). This includes the requirement of infrastructure, marketing and product development to better accommodate a variety of visitor needs.

Improving information on accessible tourism for disabled people (Jacqueline Westcott for the European Commission, 2004) (pdf)

This guidance document describes how tourist facilities, large and small, and destinations as a whole can improve the quality of the service that they offer to disabled people and others who will benefit from better accessibility.

Research among Adults with Disabilities: Travel and Hospitality (prepared by Harris Interactive for the Open Doors Organization, 2002) (pdf)

This PowerPoint outlines a quantitative study that was commissioned to identify basic travel habits and patterns among Americans with disabilities (18 and older). The objectives of the study were to: gauge experiences with airlines, cruise lines and hotels, identify how well needs are being met, quantify top services and products that would encourage adults with disabilities to fly and stay at hotels, and estimate the current and potential economic impact of the disability community.

Accessible Tourism: Simple Changes for Accessibility (2010 Legacies Now) (pdf)

This document is part of an Accessible Tourism Strategy leading up to, and beyond, the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Recognizing that people with disabilities make up one of the fastest growing tourism market opportunities, 2010 Legacies Now is working with the Province of BC, Tourism BC, and numerous other partners to establish BC as a global leader in accessible tourism, and to help create lasting legacies in BC communities.

Traveling Solo (Scott Rains) (doc)

A philosophical reflection on the ability of people with disabilities to travel, and the benefits of doing so. Also offers suggestions for accessible vacations for those with certain restrictions.

Inclusive Tourism: The Way to Go! (Scott Rains for Success & ABILITY magazine, 2008) (pdf)

A paper written by disability activist and theologian Dr. Scott Rains discussing his perspective on what should be the underlying principle of travel, universal design.

Accessible Tourism Market Research Summary (Ipsos Reid for 2010 Legacies Now) (pdf)

This brief summary identifies the factors that influence behavior and purchase decisions for travelers with disabilities, based on answers from respondents who were deaf or hard of hearing, with vision loss or blindness, or mobility disabilities.

Best Practices in Tourism Accessibility for Travellers with Restricted Physical Ability (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, 2003) (doc)

Geared towards the member economies of the Asia-Pacific region, this report was commissioned to identify successful examples and practices of accessibility in order to create guiding principals for inclusive tourism in all member countries.