"I want to go but I have to stay": travel constraints of the Portuguese accessible tourism market

Abstract

In 2019 Portugal received the international distinction of Accessible Tourist Destination. Despite this recognition, many people with specific needs continue to identify numerous constraints that prevent them from being able to independently access, with equity and dignity, to tourism products. This paper aims to know and analyze the constraints that cause the absence of tourism experiences of people with special needs, which make up the accessible tourism market in Portugal. To respond to this objective, a questionnaire was administered to people with specific needs, especially people with disabilities, people with food and respiratory allergies, pregnant women, and people using pushchairs, about the needs, constraints and benefits related to the participation in tourism activities. Answer this questionnaire 484 people, 109 of whom had no tourist experience (22.5% of the sample). The results show that structural constraints are those that continue to inhibit people from actively participating in tourism activities. The data also point to a feeling of predisposition to the practice of this type of activity by the majority of respondents. It is therefore evident that the elimination of these barriers can boost their participation, and consequently the accessible tourism market in Portugal.