Academic Book (Tourism and Disability Studies).

After exploring the relationship between neurodiversity and tourism through previous research, I wanted to expand my understanding of how accessibility is currently considered within the wider tourism industry. While my previous research focused more specifically on neurodivergent experiences of travel, this source allowed me to explore the broader concept of accessible tourism and the industry's approach to inclusion.

I chose this research because it explores accessibility from a tourism perspective rather than focusing solely on disability theory. I felt this was important because my project sits at the intersection of multiple areas: neurodiversity, travel, and design. Understanding how tourism currently defines accessibility helps me identify where gaps may exist and where design could contribute.

Initial Reflections

One of the first things that stood out to me was that accessible tourism has traditionally been discussed primarily through the lens of physical accessibility. Examples often include wheelchair access, adapted accommodation and accessible transport infrastructure.

Although these areas remain important, I began to question whether this definition of accessibility fully considers the experiences of neurodivergent travellers.

Many barriers experienced by neurodivergent individuals are not always visible. Instead, challenges may relate to sensory environments, information processing, navigating uncertainty, and understanding unfamiliar situations.

This connected strongly with my previous research, as it suggested that accessibility needs to move beyond adapting physical spaces and begin considering different ways people experience and interact with the world.

Emerging Themes

Accessibility is broader than physical access

A key theme throughout accessible tourism research is the movement towards a more inclusive understanding of accessibility.

Travel experiences are made up of many different stages, including:

• researching and planning a journey
• booking accommodation
• navigating transport systems
• communicating with tourism providers
• experiencing unfamiliar environments
• adapting to unexpected situations

This made me realise that barriers can occur before a person even begins travelling.

For neurodivergent travellers, the challenge may not necessarily be the destination itself, but the uncertainty surrounding the journey.

The research also highlighted the importance of designing tourism experiences that consider different needs from the beginning, rather than adding adjustments afterwards.

This aligns closely with the principles of inclusive design, in which environments and services are designed to accommodate a wider range of people rather than assuming a single “typical” user.

Connections to My Project

This research strengthened the connection between my previous findings and my own design interests.

Nancy Doyle’s discussion of the social model of disability remains relevant because many accessibility barriers appear to be created by environments and systems rather than individual differences.

The research also connects with the idea of neurodiversity as a natural variation in human experience. Instead of asking how neurodivergent people can adapt to existing tourism systems, it asks how tourism systems could become more adaptable themselves.

This has made me consider the role graphic design could play in improving accessibility within travel.

Possible areas of exploration include:

• clearer travel information
• sensory-aware communication
• improved journey preparation
• alternative navigation methods
• resources that increase confidence and independence

This research has helped position my project within a wider discussion around inclusive tourism and universal design.

Key Terminology

• Accessible Tourism – Tourism that aims to ensure destinations, services and experiences can be accessed and enjoyed by people with different abilities and requirements.
• Universal Design – The design of products, environments and services so they can be used by the widest range of people possible without needing separate adaptations.
• Cognitive Accessibility – Designing information, environments and experiences so they are easier to understand, process and navigate.

Emerging Questions

• Why has accessible tourism historically focused more on physical disabilities than cognitive or sensory differences?
• How can tourism experiences become more predictable and understandable for neurodivergent travellers?
• Could better-designed information reduce anxiety and uncertainty before travelling?
• What parts of the travel journey create the greatest barriers?
• How can graphic design contribute towards creating more inclusive tourism experiences?