Sustainable Product Development for Accessible Tourism: Case Studies Demonstrating the Need for Stakeholder Collaboration

Abstract

Sustainable tourism builds on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), involving the consideration of people with disabilities, which necessitates their corresponding integration within tourism development. The noteworthy potential of accessible tourism is demonstrated in several studies. Hence, efforts have already been made to develop and adapt products in this regard. However, there are still challenges related to the inclusion of people with disabilities in tourism. Therefore, this study examines product development for accessible tourism through four case studies that have developed and implemented products for people with disabilities in the past. Data is gathered by means of qualitative interviews with managers of these product developments, and data is also triangulated with secondary information. The results show that product development for people with disabilities strongly depends on the immediate collaboration of all stakeholder groups and the inclusion of people with disabilities, building on the underlying values of the destination. Furthermore, the study indicates that in accordance with the Triple Bottom Line (TBL), sustainable product developments for accessible tourism are based on the sustainable tourism principles. Thus, both theoretical and practical implications for tourism facilities as well as for destination management organizations can be derived.

A Theoretical Model for the Implementation of Social Sustainability in the Synthesis of Tourism, Disability Studies, and Special-Needs Education

“…Sustainable product development for tourism accessible to people with disabilities should be based on the core values of the destination and serve as a philosophy [46]. Collaboration between service providers [47] is also an important factor in the design of tourism products, services, and environments.…”

“…The functioning of these also influences the feasibility of the model and the sustainability measures [43]. In addition to the social aspect of sustainable tourism development, economic sustainability, which aims to create value, plays a crucial role in the product development of inclusive tourism [46]. When considering the economic impact, it is worth looking at the results achieved by inclusive tourism.…”

“…In the new model, digitalisation mainly affects the supply side by making services more accessible. Digitalisation can facilitate sustainable product development, making tourism accessible to people with disabilities and thus, contributing to social sustainability [46]. Digitalisation is taking place in all areas of tourism, including tourism companies and destinations [64].…”

Should I Stay or Can I Go? Accessible Tourism and Mountain Huts in Gran Paradiso National Park

“…Darcy and Dickson [53] suggest an inclusive vision that involves, in a single model, all types of disabilities (temporary and permanent) and all of the stakeholders who are involved in disability, and that satisfies all the needs of disabled people. Nigg and Eichelberger [54] take a similar approach. They affirm that involving all of the actors involved in disability issues is fundamental to implementing forms of tourism that are accessible for all.…”

Stakeholders’ perception of accessible tourism implementation based on corporate sustainability and responsibility: a SEM-based investigation

“…Scholars contend that for the AT principles to operate effectively, stakeholders’ changed attitudes, their collaborative intervention within the organization and into the larger tourism ecosystem and the practices of corporate sustainability and responsibility (CS&R) in the tourism setting are required (Cockburn-Wootten and McIntosh, 2020; Fuente-Robles et al , 2020; Gillovic and McIntosh, 2015; Nigg and Eichelberger, 2021). However, the implementation of accessible tourism (IAT) is context-specific, and destinations adhere to best practices (Buhalis et al , 2012; Darcy et al , 2020).…”