2025/12/28 by Mastrokoukou, Sofia, Oikonomou, Maria
#FOS: Economics and business #FOS: Sociology #Social and Behavioral Sciences #Sociology #Tourism #accessible toursim #disability #smart tourism
paper · doi:10.17605/osf.io/d4sjr
This systematic review takes an integrated approach to current studies on accessible smart tourism. It examines the interrelationships between accessibility enabled by digital technology, destination design, and the user experience of individuals with disabilities. It summarizes the findings of peer-reviewed studies included in the Scopus database, most of which are published in high-impact journals. The review addresses physical, sensory, and intellectual disabilities, considering both the potential of technology and ongoing barriers. The evidence indicates that technologies such as navigation apps, smart routing systems, and digitally mediated information can help increase independence, safety, and inclusion for individuals with disabilities. However, most technologies fail to meet the real-world needs of people with disabilities due to poor design and a lack of grounding in the lived experiences of users. The most common theme throughout the evidence is that true smart accessibility is achieved when innovation is based on the principles of universal design and co-created through collaboration with individuals with disabilities.