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Determinants of Travel Participation and Experiences of Wheelchair Users Traveling to the Bodrum Region: A Qualitative Study

Author

Listed:
  • Ezgi Özcan

    (Faculty of Tourism, Eastern Mediterranean University, 99628 Famagusta, Cyprus)

  • Zehra Güçhan Topcu

    (Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Eastern Mediterranean University, 99628 Famagusta, Cyprus)

  • Hüseyin Arasli

    (Norwegian School of Hotel Management, Faculty of Social Sciences, The University of Stavanger, 4036 Stavanger, Norway)

Abstract

Although the number of people with disabilities and types of disability increases day by day, a sufficient point has not been reached regarding accessible tourism. The participation rate of people with disabilities (PWDS) in tourism activities is low, and there is a big gap in the travel and accommodation sector in this regard. Studies of previous scholars have concluded that the accessible tourism market is a significant and profitable area, but determinants of participation to travel and process of travel, such as wheelchair user expectations, are consistently ignored by the tourism industry. The main purpose of this study is to determine the determinants of travel by examining the motivations, expectations, processes and experiences of PWDS using wheelchairs to participate in tourism. Research was performed in Turkey’s Bodrum district; 25 wheelchair users were included in the study. The keywords that emerged in the theoretical framework in light of the answers given to 39 open-ended questions online were coded in the Nvivo program. The results showed that wheelchair users intended to go on vacation but were less motivated to participate due to the lack of travel conditions. Wheelchair travelers argued that a companion was required for an enjoyable holiday that could meet their needs. In addition, the results revealed that the types of wheelchairs used by disabled passengers differ. The disabled stated that the wheelchairs they use in daily life are not suitable for use on the beach, sand or water. Despite the economic, social and technological change opportunities, basic tourism service expectations of PWDS are not met. This research project is a comprehensive study that makes determinations in terms of examining the social status of disabled people in terms of social sciences, examining the place and importance of disabled tourists in the market and eliminating the deficiencies of facilities serving in tourism.

Suggested Citation

  • Ezgi Özcan & Zehra Güçhan Topcu & Hüseyin Arasli, 2021. "Determinants of Travel Participation and Experiences of Wheelchair Users Traveling to the Bodrum Region: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-27, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:5:p:2218-:d:504835
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Damien Échevin, 2013. "Employment and education discrimination against disabled people in Cape Verde," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 45(7), pages 857-875, March.
    2. Chang, Yu-Chun & Chen, Ching-Fu, 2011. "Identifying mobility service needs for disabled air passengers," Tourism Management, Elsevier, vol. 32(5), pages 1214-1217.
    3. Jee-Eun Lim, 2020. "Understanding the Discrimination Experienced by Customers with Disabilities in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry: The Case of Seoul in South Korea," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(18), pages 1-12, September.
    4. Brielle Gillovic & Alison McIntosh, 2020. "Accessibility and Inclusive Tourism Development: Current State and Future Agenda," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(22), pages 1-15, November.
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