TRAVELLING HABITS OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Abstract

Accessible tourism is an under-researched area in Hungary. Based on the results of a questionnaire survey, the aim of the present study is to present several specific features of the travel demand of people with disabilities, the foremost focus being the examination of the most popular tourism products in the demand of people with disabilities. 268 Hungarians responded to the survey in online and face-to-face contexts. In addition to the Hungarian survey, the article also covers small-sample research results from four other countries (Germany, Italy, Spain and Croatia). The results show that members of the target group reject segregation solutions during their travels, and, as opposed to integration, clearly demand inclusion. Their travel frequency is above average of the entire population, with interests as diverse as those without disabilities. The issue of accessible tourism affects 10% of the European population, and thus, besides the significance of the issue from a social and societal point of view, this segment cannot be neglected in terms of its market value either. Understanding the expectations of stakeholders and their specific consumer habits is an essential requirement in the development of appropriate tourism supply and in ensuring equal access to services.