Benefits and constraints of family tourism: the case of families with children with disabilities

Abstract

Although tourism nowadays is one of the most important economic activities worldwide, there are still several groups in our society which face considerable constraints that prevent “tourism for all” to be a universal desire. Families with children with disabilities are one of these groups This paper intends to analyze the constraints to the practice of tourist activities of these families and the benefits obtained from these practices. A qualitative study using interviews with a group of Portuguese families with children with disabilities was carried out to analyze the tourist practices of these families, the benefits derived from these practices and the most significant constraints that they face to achieve family tourism. For some of these families, the results show that tourism is still only a dream. Economic factors, the lack of accessibility of tourism destinations and the lack of qualified staff in the tourism industry are the main constraints faced by these families when they practice family tourism. However, when it is possible to carry out family tourist activities, the benefits obtained are high, not only for the family’s well-being but also for children with disabilities, helping them to overcome certain challenges. The article ends with some guidelines to promote the practice of family tourist activities in the case of families with children with disabilities.