The accessibility of tourism destinations has emerged as a critical issue in ensuring inclusive travel experiences for all individuals, regardless of physical ability. This session seeks to explore the intersection of geography and tourism accessibility, focusing on spatial challenges, infrastructural barriers, and policy frameworks that affect the mobility and inclusiveness of tourist spaces. While many tourism destinations promote inclusivity, disparities in accessibility remain widespread, particularly in heritage sites, rural areas, and urban settings with complex topographies. These disparities not only exclude individuals with disabilities but also affect elderly travelers, families with young children, and other groups with specific mobility needs.
We invite contributions that examine a wide range of accessibility-related topics from a geographic perspective. These may include, but are not limited to: the spatial analysis of accessible tourism infrastructures, the role of geographic information systems (GIS) in assessing and improving destination accessibility, the impact of public policies and urban planning on accessible tourism, and case studies from different global contexts that highlight both successful approaches and ongoing challenges. Discussions will also cover how sustainable tourism practices can align with accessibility goals to create more inclusive environments.
This session aims to foster a multidisciplinary dialogue among geographers, tourism professionals, urban planners, and policymakers, contributing to the growing body of research that advocates for equitable and inclusive tourism for all. By addressing the geographic dimensions of tourism accessibility, we hope to inform future practices and policies that enhance the travel experience for all individuals, regardless of their mobility needs.