Improved accessibility and accurate information is key to marketing National Park experiences to visitors with disabilitiesThe purpose of this study was to observe, document, analyze and interpret the experiences of physically-disabled visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in order to highlight ways in which accessibility could be increased to facilitate positive travel and nature experiences for this demographic group.
One hundred twenty-two visitors were surveyed about their demographics, activities, and travel behavior at and getting to the National Park. They were asked about their motivations for coming to the Park as well as how they had gathered information for and planned their trip.
It was found that visitors with physical disabilities were most motivated by the desire to relax, observe natural beauty, and have fun while picnicking, visiting scenic areas and enjoying historical sites. Some of the most common accessibility problems were narrow doorways and lack of grab-bars in restrooms, not enough accessible trails, not enough curb cuts, and a need for more accessible parking spaces and picnic areas. Many of these visitors stayed overnight in or near the national park, so accessible accommodations and transportation are also important factors.
Chen recommends that in addition to improving facilities, managers also should distribute information on accessible options for park activities, transportation, and accommodations so that visitors with physical disabilities can plan their travel with accuracy and support. This could increase visits and therefore access for this population. She also suggests that the tourism and hospitality industry should expand its marketing and information practices to better access the niche market of disabled tourists, many of whom would travel much more if their needs were better met.
This study targeted visitors with obvious physical disabilities to fill out surveys. While physical accessibility is a good starting point, as Chen acknowledges, considerably more effort must go into identifying the needs of visitors with other disabilities, such as hearing, vision, or developmental impairment. It would also be useful to compare the activities, experiences, and travel behaviors of park visitors with and without disabilities in order to gain a fuller portrait of how exactly disabled visitors differ in their needs and preferences from other visitors. This study has implications for families of children with disabilities who may need highly accurate information about accessibility in order to take their whole families to National Parks and other natural places.
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