The accessibility in etourism: a study from the perpespective of people with specific needs

Abstract

Web pages are currently the new face of any Tourism organization. They represent the entrance door for new consumers. For this reason, there is a constant concern in creating accessible digital tools that could promote the institution, disclose its tourism offer and favor consumption. Thus, using digital tools in Tourism and, more concretely, in Tourism focused to people with special needs, is of great significance, in order to inform potential consumers of a tourism service accessible to all. The way the organizations make use of digital platforms, and more specifically hotels groups and management bodies, reveals that WCAG accessibility guiding lines are not followed, being still a long way to go before a universal accessible tourism can be effective. To do so, there might be a more rigorous compromise from the sector’s regulatory authorities. The present study strongly suggests how are neglected the questions linked to accessibility in eTourism, this area deserving deeper insights. Indeed, incorporating accessibility in Web would stimulate the attraction of new markets and projects of higher quality, in addition to favoring a social and gathering gain. The results show that some organizations do not meet the minimum requirements of the accessibility guidelines, which is apparently not a priority. The web pages of these organizations expose barriers that prevent digital inclusion.