Enhancing Inclusivity: Exploring the Role of VR in Accessible Tourism Experience

Year 2025, Issue: Latest Articles

Zehra Saltık , Marjan Kamyabi

https://doi.org/10.30519/ahtr.1484080

Abstract

This research addresses the challenges faced by people with mobility impairments within accessible tourism, focusing on the potential of virtual reality (VR) technology to improve their inclusion. The study uses a phenomenological approach and utilizes in-depth interviews and content analysis to identify patterns and insights. The research identifies constraints within the tripartite model of leisure and categorizes them as constructed environment-related, resource-related, attitudinal/behavioral-related, and psychological state constraints. Key findings highlight that travel motivations are about relaxation, and gaining new experiences, while challenges primarily relate to transportation, accommodation and architectural barriers. The safety aspect is primarily associated with traveling in company. Furthermore, the study sheds light on the perceived benefits of VR technologies in promoting greater participation in tourism activities for people with mobility impairments. However, participants assert that VR cannot fully replace actual tourism experiences as it cannot provide the multi-sensory richness of physical travel. The importance of this research lies in exploring VR experiences from the perspective of people with mobility impairments, particularly in relation to the destinations they visit, a dimension that has been overlooked in previous literature. This summary provides a brief overview of the key findings and conclusions, highlighting the potential of VR in accessible tourism while recognizing the inherent differences between virtual and physical travel experiences.

Keywords

accessible tourism , leisure constraints , VR technologies , reduced inequalities

References

• Arnone, M. P., Small, R. V., Chauncey, S. A., & McKenna, H. P. (2011). Curiosity, interest and engagement in technology-pervasive learning environments: a new research agenda. Educational Technology Research and Development, 59, 181–198. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-011- 9190-9
• Ashworth, P. (2003). An approach to phenomenological psychology: the contingencies of the lifeworld. Journal of Phenomenological Psychology, 34(2), 145-156.
• Beck, J., Rainoldi, M., & Egger, R. D. (2019). Virtual reality in tourism: a state-of-the-art review. Tourism Review, 74(2), 586–612. https://doi.org/10.1108/TR-03-2017-0049
• Bialeschki, M. D., & Henderson, K. A. (1988). Constraints To Trail Use. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration, 6(3), 20-28.
• Bogicevic, V., Seo, S., Kandampully, J. A., Liu, S. Q., & Rudd, N. A. (2019). Virtual reality presence as a preamble of tourism experience: The role of mental imagery. Tourism Management, 74, 55-64. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2019.02.009
• Boxall, K., & Ralph, S. (2011). Research ethics committees and the benefits of involving people with profound and multiple learning disabilities in research. British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 39(3), 173-180. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-3156.2010.00645.x
• Buhalis, D., & Darcy, S. (Eds.). (2011). Accessible tourism: Concepts and issues. Channel View Publications.
• Calogiuri, G., Keegan, B. J., Birkheim, S. L., Rydgren, T. L., Flaten, O. E., Fröhlich, F., & Litleskare, S. (2022). A mixed-methods exploration of virtual reality as a tool to promote green exercise. Scientific Reports, 12, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-09622-x
• Condie, G. A. (2021). Exploring the Personal and Social Aspects of Individuals with Physical Disabilities’ Leisure Experiences: experiencing leisure but as an individual person. Leisure Studies, 40(3), 363-377. https://doi.org/10.1080/02614367.2020.1843691
• Corby, D., Taggart, L., & Cousins, W. (2015). People with intellectual disability and human science research: A systematic review of phenomenological studies using interviews for data collection. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 47, 451-465. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2015.09.001
• Coxon, M., Kelly, N., & Page, S. (2016). Individual differences in virtual reality: Are spatial presence and spatial ability linked? Virtual Reality, 20, 203-212. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10055-016-0292-x
• Crawford, D. W., & Godbey, G. (1987). Reconceptualizing barriers to family leisure. Leisure Sciences, 9(2), 119-127.
• Crawford, D. W., Jackson, E. L., & Godbey, G. (1991). A hierarchical model of leisure constraints. Leisure Sciences, 13(4), 309-320. https://doi.org/10.1080/01490409109513147
• Creswell, J. W. (2009). Research design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (3. b.). California, USA: SAGE Publications.
• Creswell, J. W., Hanson, W. E., Clark, V. L., & Morales, A. (2007). Qualitative Research Designs: Selection and Implementation. The Counseling Psychologist, 35(2), 236-264. https://doi.org/10.1177/0011000006287390
• Daniels, M. J., Rodgers, E. B., & Wiggins, B. P. (2005). ‘‘Travel Tales’’: an interpretive analysis of constraints and negotiations to pleasure travel as experienced by persons with physical disabilities. Tourism Management, 26, 919-930. https://doi.org/ https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2004.06.010
• Darcy, S. (2006). Setting a Research Agenda for Accessible Tourism. Queensland: Sustainable Tourism for Cooperative Research Centre. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Simon- Darcy/publication/235993179_Setting_a_Research_Agenda_for_Accessible_Tourism/links/5e dcb89045851529453fc8aa/Setting-a-Research-Agenda-for-Accessible-Tourism.pdf
• Darcy, S., & Dickson, T. J. (2009). A Whole-of-Life Approach to Tourism: The Case for Accessible Tourism Experiences. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, 16, 32-44. https://doi.org/10.1375/jhtm.16.1.32
• Darcy, S., Lock, D., & Taylor, T. (2017). Enabling Inclusive Sport Participation: Effects of Disability and Support Needs on Constraints to Sport Participation. Leisure Sciences, 39(1), 20-41. https://doi.org/10.1080/01490400.2016.1151842
• Daruwalla, P., & Darcy, S. (2005). Personal and societal attitudes to disability. Annals of Tourism Research, 32(3), 549-570. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2004.10.008
• Devile, E., & Kastenholz, E. (2018). Accessible tourism experiences: the voice of people with visual disabilities. Journal of Policy Research in Tourism, Leisure and Events, 10(3), 265-285. https://doi.org/10.1080/19407963.2018.1470183
• Devile, E., & Moura, A. (2021). Travel by People With Physical Disabilities: Constraints and Influences in the Decision-Making Process. In C. Eusébio, L. Teixeira, & M. J. Carneiro (eds.), ICT Tools and Applications for Accessible Tourism (pp. 55-73). Pennsylvania, USA: IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-6428-8
• Dieck, M. C., Jung, T., & Michopoulou, E. (2019). Experiencing Virtual Reality in Heritage Attractions: Perceptions of Elderly Users. In M. C. Dieck, & T. Jung (eds.), Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality (pp. 89-98). Cham: Springer.
• Ellis, P. (2016). The language of research (part 8): phenomenological research. Wounds UK Journal, 12(1), 128-129.
• Fagernäs, S., Espinoza, N., Miloff, A., Carlbring, P., & Lindner, P. (2021). What do users think about Virtual Reality relaxation applications? A mixed methods study of online user reviews using natural language processing. Internet Interventions, 24, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.invent.2021.100370
• Figueiredo, E., Eusébio, C., & Kastenholz, E. (2012). How Diverse are Tourists with Disabilities? A Pilot Study on Accessible Leisure Tourism Experiences in Portugal. International Journal of Tourism Research, 14, 531-550. https://doi.org/10.1002/jtr.1913
• Foley, A., & Ferri, B. A. (2012). Technology for people, not disabilities: Ensuring access and inclusion. Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs, 12(4), 192-200. https://doi.org/ https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471- 3802.2011.01230.x
• Gea, M., Alaman, X., Rodríguez, P., & Martinez, V. (2016). Towards Smart & Inclusive Society: Building 3d Immersive Museum By Children With Cognitive Disabilities. 8th International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies (pp. 5260–5268). EDULEARN Proceedings.
• Gillovic, B., McIntosh, A., Cockburn-Wootten, C., & Darcy, S. (2021). Experiences of tourists with intellectual disabilities: A phenomenological approach. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, 48, 155-162. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhtm.2021.06.003
• Guttentag, D. (2010). Virtual reality: Applications and implications for tourism. Tourism Management, 31(5), 637-651. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2009.07.003
• Hansen, M., & Fyall, A. (2021). Accessible Tourist Experiences. In R. Sharpley (ed.), Routledge Handbook of the Tourist Experience (pp. 451-466). London, UK: Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003219866-36
• Hinch, T. D., & Jackson, E. L. (2000). Leisure Constraints Research: Its Value as a Framework for Understanding Tourism Seasonability. Current Issues in Tourism, 3(2), 87-106. https://doi.org/10.1080/13683500008667868
• Huang, Y. C., Backman, K. F., Backman, S. J., & Chang, L. L. (2016). Exploring the Implications of Virtual Reality Technology in Tourism Marketing: An Integrated Research Framework. International Journal of Tourism Research, 18(2), 116-128. https://doi.org/10.1002/jtr.2038
• Iftikhar, R., Khan, M. S., & Pasanchay, K. (2022). Virtual reality tourism and technology acceptance: a disability perspective. Leisure Studies, (AHEAD-OF-PRINT), 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1080/02614367.2022.2153903
• Israeli, A. A. (2002). A Preliminary Investigation of the Importance of Site Accessibility Factors for Disabled Tourists. Journal of Travel Research, 41(1), 101-104. https://doi.org/10.1177/004728750204100
• Kamyabi, M., & Alipour, H. (2022). An Investigation of the Challenges Faced by the Disabled Population and the Implications for Accessible Tourism: Evidence from a Mediterranean Destination. Sustainability, 14(8), 1-18. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084702
• Kamyabi, M., Alipour, H., & Rezapouraghdam, H. (2023). Assessing the Mediating Role of Destination Image on the Perceived Value and Satisfaction of People With Disabilities. In Exploring Niche Tourism Business Models, Marketing, and Consumer Experience (pp. 32-53). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-6684-7242-2
• Kashdan, T. B., Rose, P., & Fincham, F. D. (2004). Curiosity and Exploration: Facilitating Positive Subjective Experiences and Personal Growth Opportunities. Journal of Personality Assessment, 291-305. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327752jpa8203_05
• Kastenholz, E., Eusébio, C., & Figueiredo, E. (2015). Contributions of tourism to social inclusion of persons with disability. Disability & Society, 30(8), 1259 1281. https://doi.org/10.1080/09687599.2015.1075868
• Kim, M. J., Lee, C.-K., & Jung, T. (2018). Exploring Consumer Behavior in Virtual Reality Tourism Using an Extended Stimulus-Organism-Response Model. Journal of Travel Research, 59(1), 69-89. https://doi.org/10.1177/0047287518818915
• Lam, K. L., Chan, C.-S., & Peters, M. (2020). Understanding technological contributions to accessible tourism from the perspective of destination design for visually impaired visitors in Hong Kong. Journal of Destination Marketing & Management, 17, 100434. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdmm.2020.100434
• Lehtoa, X., Luo, W., Miao, L., & Ghiselli, R. F. (2017). Shared tourism experience of individuals with disabilities and their caregivers. Journal of Destination Marketing & Management, 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdmm.2017.04.001
• Lin, K. J., Ye, H., & Law, R. (2022). Conceptualizing Accessible Tourism with Smart Technologies. Journal of Smart Tourism, 2(2), 5-14. https://doi.org/10.52255/smarttourism.2022.2.2.2
• Loi, K. I., & Kong, W. H. (2017). Tourism for All: Challenges and Issues Faced by People with Vision Impairment. Tourism Planning & Development, 14(2), 181-197. https://doi.org/10.1080/21568316.2016.1204357
• Lu, J., Xiao, X., Xu, Z., Wang, C., Zhang, M., & Zhou, Y. (2022). The potential of virtual tourism in the recovery of tourism industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. Current Issues in Tourism, 25(3), 441-457. https://doi.org/10.1080/13683500.2021.1959526
• Marasco, A., & Balbi, B. (2019). Designing Accessible Experiences for Heritage Visitors Through Virtual Reality. e-Review of Tourism Research (eRTR), 17(3), 426-443.
• McIntosh, A. J. (2020). The hidden side of travel: Epilepsy and tourism. Annals of Tourism Research, 81, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2019.102856
• McKercher, B., & Darcy, S. (2018). Re-conceptualizing barriers to travel by people with disabilities. Tourism Management Perspectives , 26, 59-66. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2018.01.003
• McKercher, B., Packer, T., Yau, M. K., & Lam, P. (2003). Travel agents as facilitators or inhibitors of travel: perceptions of people with disabilities. Tourism Management, 24(4), 465-474. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0261-5177(02)00107-3
• Melubo, K., & Doering, A. (2022). Local participation as tourists. In F. Higgins-Desbiolles, A. Doering, & B. C. Bigby (eds.), Socialising Tourism (pp. 72-90). New York: Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003164616
• Merkx, C., & Nawijn, J. (2021). Virtual reality tourism experiences: Addiction and isolation. Tourism Management, 1-3. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2021.104394
• Mura, P., Tavakoli, R., & Sharif, S. P. (2017). ‘Authentic but not too much’: exploring perceptions of authenticity of virtual tourism. Information Technology & Tourism (17), 145-159. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40558-016-0059-y
• Nyman, E., Westin, K., & Carson, D. (2018). Tourism destination choice sets for families with wheelchair-bound children. Tourism Recreation Research, 43(1), 26-38. https://doi.org/10.1080/02508281.2017.1362172
• Orakani, S. N., Smith, K., & Weaver, A. (2021). Reframing the experiences of travellers with mobility impairments: Enhancing the leisure constraints model. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, 47, 84-92. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhtm.2021.03.003
• Pagan, R. (2014). The contribution of holiday trips to life satisfaction: the case of people with disabilities. Current Issues in Tourism, 18(6), 524–538. https://doi.org/10.1080/13683500.2013.860086
• Patton, M. Q. (2014). Qualitative Research and Evaluation Methods (4. b.). SAGE Publications.
• Poria, Y., Beal, J., & Shani, A. (2019). Does size matter? An exploratory study of the public dining experience of obese people. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, 39, 49-56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhtm.2019.02.004
• Poria, Y., Reichel, A., & Brandt, Y. (2010). The Flight Experiences of People with Disabilities: An Exploratory Study. Journal of Travel Research, 49(2), 216-227. https://doi.org/10.1177/0047287509336477
• Poria, Y., Reichel, A., & Brandt, Y. (2011). Dimensions of hotel experience of people with disabilities: an exploratory study. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 23(5), 571-591. https://doi.org/10.1108/09596111111143340
• Qiao, G., Xu, J., Ding, L., & Chen, Q. (2023). The impact of volunteer interaction on the tourism experience of people with visual impairment based on a mixed approach. Current Issues in Tourism, 26(17), 2794-2811. https://doi.org/10.1080/13683500.2022.2098093
• Randle, M., & Dolnicar, S. (2019). Enabling people with impairments to use Airbnb. Annals of Tourism Research, 76(3), 278-289. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2019.04.015
• Reindrawati, D. Y., Noviyanti, U. D., & Young, T. (2022). Tourism Experiences of People with Disabilities: Voices from Indonesia. Sustainability, 14, 1-21. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142013310
• Richards, V., Pritchard, A., & Morgan, N. (2010). (Re)Envisioning tourism and visual impairment. Annals of Tourism Research, 37(4), 1097-1116. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2010.04.011
• Rubio-Escuderos, L., García-Andreu, H., Michopoulou, E., & Buhalis, D. (2021). Perspectives on experiences of tourists with disabilities: implications for their daily lives and for the tourist industry. Tourism Recreation Research, 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1080/02508281.2021.1981071
• Sedgley, D., Pritchard, A., Morgan, N., & Hanna, P. (2017). Tourism and autism: Journeys of mixed emotions. Annals of Tourism Research, 66, 14-25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2017.05.009
• Shaker, A., Lin, X., Kim, D. Y., Kim, J.-H., Sharma, G., & Devine, M. A. (2019). Design of a Virtual Reality Tour System for People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Case Study. Computing in Science & Engineering, 22(3), 7-17.
• Shava, G. N., Hieza, S., Tiou, F. N., & Shonhiwa, S. (2021). Qualitative Content Analysis, Utility, Usability and Processes in Educational Research. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), 5(8), 553-558.
• Shelton, E., & Tucker, H. (2005). Tourism and Disability: Issues Beyond Access. Tourism Review International, 8(3), 211-219. https://doi.org/10.3727/154427205774791528
• Shi, L., Cole, S., & Chancellor, H. C. (2012). Understanding leisure travel motivations of travelers with acquired mobility impairments. Tourism Management, 33(1), 228-231. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2011.02.007
• Sisto, R., Cappelleti, G. M., Bianchi, P., & Sica, E. (2022). Sustainable and accessible tourism in natural areas: a participatory approach. Curren Issues in Tourism, 25(8), 1307-1324.
• Small, J., Darcy, S., & Packer, T. (2012). The embodied tourist experiences of people with vision impairment: Management implications beyond the visual gaze. Tourism Management, 33, 941- 950. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2011.09.015
• Smith, R. W. (1987). Leisure of disable tourists: Barriers to participation. Annals of Tourism Research, 14(3), 376-389. https://doi.org/10.1016/0160-7383(87)90109-5
• Suntikul, W. (2014). Best practice in accessible tourism: inclusion, disability, ageing population and tourism. Current Issues in Tourism, 17(1), 102-104. https://doi.org/10.1080/13683500.2012.754848
• Szarycz, G. S. (2009). Some issues in tourism research phenomenology: a commentary. Current Issues in Tourism, 12(1), 47-58. https://doi.org/10.1080/13683500802279949
• Tao, B. C., Goh, E., Huang, S. (., & Moyle, B. (2019). Travel constraint perceptions of people with mobility disability: a study of Sichuan earthquake survivors. Tourism Recreation Research, 44(2), 203-216. https://doi.org/10.1080/02508281.2019.1589085
• Tecău, A. S., Brătucu, G., Tescasiu, B., Chitu, I. B., Constantin, C. P., & Foris, D. (2019). Responsible Tourism—Integrating Families with Disabled Children in Tourist Destinations. Sustainability, 11, 1-18. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11164420
• Thangaraj, M., & Gomathi, K. S. (2019). Design and Development of MDOE for Virtual Tourism Management for Elderly People. International Journal of Recent Technology and Engineering, 8(2), 3558-3562. https://doi.org/10.35940/ijrte.B3067.078219
• UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). (2023, August 6). Promoting accessible tourism for all. United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA): https://www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/issues/promoting-accessible-tourism-for-all.html
• UNDESA. (2023, August 6). Convention On The Rights Of Persons With Disabilities (CRPD). United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs: https://social.desa.un.org/issues/disability/crpd/convention-on-the-rights-of-persons-with- disabilities-crpd
• Wei, W., Qi, R., & Zhang, L. (2019). Effects of virtual reality on theme park visitors’ experience and behaviors: A presence perspective. Tourism Management, 71, 282-293. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2018.10.024
• Woo, S. E., O'Boyle, E. H., & Spector, P. E. (2017). Best practices in developing, conducting, and evaluating inductive research. Human Resource Management Review, 27, 255-264. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrmr.2016.08.004
• Wyld, D. C. (2010). The virtual tourist: using the virtual world to promote the real one. Advances in Competitiveness Research, 18(1-2), 111-121.
• Yalon-Chamovitz, S., & Weiss, P. L. (2008). Virtual reality as a leisure activity for young adults with physical and intellectual disabilities. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 29, 273-287. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2007.05.004
• Ying, T., Tang, J., Wen, J., Ye, S., Zhou, Y., & Li, S. (2021). Traveling with pets: Constraints, negotiation, and learned helplessness. Tourism Management, 82, 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2020.104183
• Zavalani, O., & Spahiu, A. (2012). Use curiosity for virtual reality “as a hook” in the engineering education. 15th International Conference on Interactive Collaborative Learning (ICL) (pp. 205- 209). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICL.2012.6402067