Accessible Tourism in the Digital Ecosystem

herausgegeben von: Fabio Cassia, Paola Castellani, Chiara Rossato

Verlag: Springer International Publishing

Buchreihe : SpringerBriefs in Applied Sciences and Technology

Enthalten in: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Technik" , Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

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This book explores the growing demand for accessible tourism experiences and demonstrates how the perspective of digital ecosystems can play a vital role in creating more inclusive destinations. Through a combination of conceptual arguments and real-world case studies, the book sheds light on the practical aspects of accessible tourism.

Statistics reveal that over one billion people have severe or moderate disabilities, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced accessibility in tourism. However, both industry practices and academic research in this field are still lagging behind. The book highlights the challenge of establishing coordination among various stakeholders, including transport operators, hospitality firms, and public authorities, which has hindered the design and implementation of inclusive tourism experiences.

By harnessing the power of new technologies, the book illustrates how digital ecosystems can effectively facilitate accessible tourism. It examines the demand for such experiences and demonstrates how embracing a digital ecosystem perspective can contribute to the development of more accessible tourism destinations.

In addition to its theoretical insights, the book delves into several practical case studies that showcase successful examples of accessible tourism.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

Chapter 1. Accessibility and Accessible Tourism: The Conceptual Evolution Through the Analysis of the Literature

Abstract

The desire for sustainable growth and inclusivity is increasing. Accessibility is a critical feature of inclusion, particularly in tourism, one of the world’s largest industries. The purpose of this chapter is to shed light on the conceptual evolution of accessible tourism in the light of technological developments through a review of the literature on the topic. This chapter first presents the theoretical background of the concepts of diversity, inclusion and accessibility in tourism. It then explains the methodology followed for the literature review and presents an analysis of the results. Finally, reflections and future research directions are proposed.

Chiara Rossato, Rossella Baratta

Chapter 2. Accessible Tourism: The Demand-Side Perspective

Abstract

Accessibility is beneficial for anyone facing challenges in experiencing tourism, not only for people with disabilities. Therefore, the demand for accessible tourism is highly diverse and warrants in-depth analysis. Based on a systematic review of the scientific literature published since 2010, this chapter investigates the aspects characterizing the demand for accessible tourism. The analysis led to the identification of five major themes: market dimension and value, tourist experiences, travel motivations, travel constraints, and travel needs. Practical implications are derived for destination management organizations and tourism companies wishing to improve the accessibility of their offerings.

Vania Vigolo, Francesca Simeoni

Chapter 3. The Perspective of Digital Ecosystems for Accessible Tourism: Conceptual and Operational Issues

Abstract

The digital ecosystems logic has the potential to enhance the current understanding of accessible tourism, explaining how valuable tourism experiences for people with access requirements are co-created by multiple actors. This chapter aims to shed further light on this perspective and its conceptual and practical implications. The chapter first presents the theoretical underpinnings of service ecosystems, moving then to digital ecosystems, and the role of digital platforms. These concepts are then applied to tourism experiences in general and to accessible tourism experiences in particular. Finally, reflections on the conditions for properly functioning digital ecosystems for accessible tourism are presented.

Fabio Cassia, Alessandro Bigi, Marta Ugolini

Chapter 4. Accessible Tourism from the Destination Perspective: Coordination Among Actors and Digital Ecosystems

Abstract

Accessible tourism destinations provide both tourists and locals with substantial benefits, but the transition toward fully accessible tourism requires investment and appropriate governance mechanisms. This chapter discusses the role of technological and non-technological resources that enable a transition to accessible tourism and specifically addresses the relationship between accessible tourism and smart tourism destinations. The chapter also emphasizes the need for coordination among the multiple actors who belong to the destination’s service ecosystem for successful accessible tourism, outlining both the formal and informal coordination mechanisms among actors. Finally, the specific contribution of digital ecosystems enabled by digital platforms is presented and discussed, highlighting that the establishment of digital platforms is necessary but not sufficient to establish effective digital collaboration among actors.

Paola Castellani, Alfonso Vargas-Sánchez

Chapter 5. Accessible Tourism: Excellence Instances of Digital Ecosystem Logic in Place

Abstract

To complete the book, this chapter presents two cases of working digital ecosystems. The first comes from Alto Adige, a well-known tourist region in the Italian Alps, while the second emerged in the UK, but works as a network all over the world. These cases serve as exemplars of the achievements a logic of IT-based cooperation can provide, highlighting the power of working together on the one hand, and of the digital tools on the other. Thanks to the opportunities provided by such networks, tourism for people with disability is becoming more accessible, paving the way, hopefully, for the very removal of the word ‘accessible’.

Federico Brunetti, Paola Castellani, Francesca Bazzani

Chapter 6. Conclusion. Accessible Tourism, Make It Happen!

Abstract

The concept itself of tourism carries the ethical value of making the travel experience possible for every person who wishes to live it, regardless of the potential fragility or inconvenience they may feel. Significant advancements are being made toward the goal of accessible tourism, and digital platforms are supporting this process. However, the purpose of genuinely accessible tourism from a perspective of equal dignity of people cannot be achieved without a collective disposition toward welcoming by all the tourism operators, local authorities, and the resident population of tourist destinations. Hence, this section introduces and discusses the importance of welcoming to achieve accessible tourism.

Claudio Baccarani, Daniela Cavallo

Titel: Accessible Tourism in the Digital Ecosystem
herausgegeben von: Fabio Cassia
Paola Castellani
Chiara Rossato
Verlag: Springer International Publishing
Electronic ISBN: 978-3-031-38782-1
Print ISBN: 978-3-031-38781-4
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-38782-1

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Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

Chapter 1. Accessibility and Accessible Tourism: The Conceptual Evolution Through the Analysis of the Literature

Chapter 2. Accessible Tourism: The Demand-Side Perspective

Chapter 3. The Perspective of Digital Ecosystems for Accessible Tourism: Conceptual and Operational Issues

Chapter 4. Accessible Tourism from the Destination Perspective: Coordination Among Actors and Digital Ecosystems

Chapter 5. Accessible Tourism: Excellence Instances of Digital Ecosystem Logic in Place

Chapter 6. Conclusion. Accessible Tourism, Make It Happen!

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