Is There a Gender Gap in the Propensity to Travel of People With Disabilities?

Abstract

People with disabilities (PwDs) face various constraints connected to their participation in tourism activities. This topic has become of greater academic interest in recent years, however, the study of gender issues in this context is still marginal. The present paper seeks to analyze gender differences in PwDs’ propensity to travel, explicitly examining constraints that may limit social inclusion in tourism activities. The empirical analysis is focused on sample data of the Italian population of PwDs gathered through an online questionnaire administered between April and July 2020. The findings reveal gender differences in PwDs travel participation, underlining matters related to constraints “impose,” by society as a whole. The paper discusses the implications of breaking down barriers and provides insights into the tourism industry so as to ensure accessibility, accurate information, and inclusivity.