ABSTRACT
The aim of this chapter is to outline some of the many barriers and constraints to tourism PLwD experience. The disabled population is a critical consumer segment that is currently largely ignored or misunderstood by the tourism industry. It is estimated that PLwD and seniors comprise over 20 percent of the global population, making disability an increasing concern across all areas of citizenship. Accessible tourism is an increasingly important area of scholarship and focus within both academic and tourism sector circles. Further, legislation is meant to protect and guarantee equal and inclusive access to PLwD. Yet, access issues within tourism are common to PLwD, with many service providers assuming that by being wheelchair accessible, they are naturally accessible to all disabilities, thereby disregarding the wider disability spectrum. Others believe that PLwD have no interest in participating in tourism. As such, it becomes clear that the industry suffers from a lack of awareness, understanding and training, in regard to the accessibility and inclusivity of tourist experiences. Indeed, this would appear to be a problem across society more generally. This chapter details the barriers and constraints to tourism experienced by PLwD by breaking disability down into three sub-sections: travelling with a physical impairment; travelling with a sensory impairment; and travelling with a cognitive impairment. A case study of a small disability-friendly resort in Denmark, advertising to be accessible to all disabilities, is provided at the end of the chapter. However, it is found to be somewhat negligent of the wider disability spectrum, seemingly only catering towards those living with physical disabilities.
