Role of Body in Travel: Wheelchair Users’ Experience From a Multi-Sensory Perspective

Abstract

The body plays a crucial role in the experience of tourists utilizing a wheelchair, providing a constant reminder of the need to pay attention to the “body-self.” However, the mechanism behind their travel experience remains a theoretical black hole that needs to be explored. Embodiment theory offers a unique perspective for investigating the formation of the experience of tourists who use wheelchairs. This study aims to examine the body practices during tourism activities. In-depth interviews and travel notes were conducted with 24 wheelchair users and 22 travel notes, revealing that their experience can be described in three stages: body appearance, body presence, and body departure. Understanding the tourism experience of individuals with disabilities requires an approach that combines the material body and social construction perspectives. This study also offers insights into comprehending the formation of tourism experiences for other categories of tourists with disabilities. Additionally, drawing from the research findings, this study presents relevant recommendations to enhance the travel experience of tourists who use wheelchairs.