Critical Elements of Disability Models as Determinants of Travel Intention of People With Disabilities Towards Natural and Cultural Destinations

Abstract

The present empirical study aims to determine the key factors influencing the travel intention of persons with disabilities who live across the Tungurahua Province, Ecuador. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between September 2019 and mid-March 2020, and collected 473 valid questionnaires containing critical components of the medical and social models of disability. Collected data were quantitatively analysed with multiple regression analysis. Results showed that some crucial elements of the social model of disability (i.e., socio-demographic features and destination quality dimensions) and an element of the medical model of disability (i.e., dependency or need of other persons) significantly affect the travel intentions of persons with disabilities (p<0.001). Findings allowed to conceptualise a new theoretical framework to potentially address and solve accessible and inclusive issues of persons with disabilities from Tungurahua Province-Ecuador and other international nations with similar natural and cultural attractions.