How Accessible is Tourism for People With Disabilities?

Abstract

but no one has examined specifics based on the type/specificity of persons with disabilities. This study compares the accessibility of tourism for people with hearing, blind, and physical disabilities based on their needs and experiences. This study uses a qualitative-comparative approach with content qualitative analysis. Interviews were conducted with key informants, namely people with deaf, blind, and physical disabilities who have experience traveling in the city of Bandung and its surroundings. Based on the results of the analysis, this study concluded that the deaf have greater access to tourism attractions than the blind. The availability of guides or assistants affects the accessibility of tourism for the blind, the availability of infrastructure or visual media affects the accessibility of tourism for the deaf, and the availability of physical infrastructure affects the accessibility of tourism for the physically disabled. This affects the opportunities for persons with disabilities to have attractive and comfortable travel experiences known as friendly tourism. This study recommends improving the accessibility to tourism for persons with disabilities by focusing on improving main services and infrastructure according to the needs of those with the disability. Keywords: disabilities, friendly tourism, accessibility, infrastructure