Access To Nature For Persons With Disabilities Perspective and Practices of Tourism Providers: Systematic Literature Review English
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Abstract
Access to nature is an important dimension of inclusive tourism and should be available to all individuals, including persons with disabilities. Despite growing recognition of accessibility as a fundamental aspect of inclusive tourism, persons with disabilities continue to encounter barriers when accessing nature-based tourism destinations. Tourism providers play a crucial role in addressing these challenges through their perspectives, management decisions, and accessibility practices. However, understanding how providers perceive accessibility, translate their understanding into practical measures, and respond to the needs of different disability groups remains important for advancing inclusive tourism. This study aims to systematically review the perspectives and practices of tourism providers regarding access to nature for persons with disabilities, with particular attention to the barriers that hinder the implementation of accessible and inclusive tourism experiences. A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, with the study selection process guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework. The literature search and screening process resulted in eight articles being included in the final review. The findings indicate that, although tourism providers recognize the importance of accessibility, this awareness does not necessarily translate into adequate accessibility practices. The reviewed literature identifies inadequate facilities and infrastructure, negative attitudes, and limited knowledge of the specific needs of different disability groups as persistent barriers to inclusive nature-based tourism. These findings highlight the importance of examining accessibility not only in terms of physical infrastructure but also in relation to provider awareness, staff competence, and the implementation of inclusive service practices. This review contributes to the inclusive tourism literature by synthesizing evidence on the relationship between tourism providers’ perspectives, accessibility practices, and persistent implementation barriers. The findings emphasize the need for more comprehensive accessibility planning, targeted training for tourism personnel, and greater consideration of the diverse needs of persons with disabilities in the management of nature-based tourism destinations.
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