The Relevance of Internet as an Information Source on the Accessible Tourism Market

Abstract

A multiplicity of online information sources are used to plan, book, evaluate and share tourism experiences. However, a limited number of studies examine the online information sources used by the accessible tourism market. To extend knowledge in this field the present study analyses the heterogeneity in the Portuguese accessible tourism market regarding online information sources used, applying a survey to 504 people with special needs (PwSN). Six segments with different types of special needs (people with hearing disabilities – PwHD -, people with visual disabilities – PwVD -, people with motor disabilities – PwMoD -, people with mental disabilities – PwMeD -, people with multiple disabilities – PwMuD and people with other special needs – PwOSN) that had participated in tourism activities are studied regarding the information sources used in a tourism trip. Results highlight the relevance of the Internet as one of the most important information sources to plan a tourism trip. However, differences among the six segments were observable. Moreover, results reveal the need to provide accessible information sources to increase the participation of PwSN in tourism activities.