Equal Access to Integrated Resort Amenities for People With Disabilities

Abstract

The integrated resort (IR) is a one-stop entertainment center that plays an increasing role in many gaming destinations. Despite this importance, no study has examined the visitor experiences of people with disabilities in visiting an IR. Accessible tourism calls for making it easy for all people to enjoy tourism experiences. Giving residents with disabilities a fair chance to access and participate in leisure and tourism activities will help nurture a more positive feeling towards tourism development amongst this group of people and extend it to their family members and friends. Using in-depth interviews with 32 people with disabilities in Macao, this study explores their experiences in accessing the city’s IR amenities and whether the degree of accessibility has any effects on their level of support for the gaming industry. Results indicate that people with disabilities have encountered physical, human, and economic difficulties before, during, and after their visit to an IR. Although their level of acceptance of the gaming industry remains high due to the economic benefits received from the sector, sustainable business growth requires equal opportunities and accessibility for all. Policy implications for IR operators and destination markets are discussed.