Accessibility as a Competitive Advantage of a Tourism Destination—Opportunities for Slovakia

Ľubica Šebová (), Radka Marčeková and Alena Kaščáková
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Ľubica Šebová: Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica
Radka Marčeková: Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica
Alena Kaščáková: Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica

A chapter in Transcending Borders in Tourism Through Innovation and Cultural Heritage, 2022, pp 291-309 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract The scientific goal of the article is to examine the degree of adjustment of the tourism offerings for physically disabled visitors in Slovakia and to find out the connection between the accessibility of tourism facilities and the destinations’ attendance. We want to emphasize the need to improve the country’s accessibility in tourism for visitors with disabilities, to wipe off the borders among visitors, benefiting the whole country, which can be a competitive advantage on the international tourism market. Our research used theoretical research methods, exploratory statistics, and correlation analysis to evaluate the accessibility of the offer in all self-governing Slovak regions—a total of 8 regions. We use evaluation criteria that are relevant in terms of tourism offerings. We examine the possibilities of barrier-free accommodation, catering, public transport, sports and recreational facilities, cultural-historical and cultural enlightenment facilities, zoos and botanical gardens, caves, accessible bike paths, hiking trails, ski slopes and cross-country trails, organized events for health and social events, and travel agencies specializing in offerings for people with disabilities. The research sample consists of 11,281 facilities of tourism offered in Slovakia. The results of the research points to an insufficient rate of accessibility of the country (19.7%) for visitors with physical disabilities and the need for higher investments in debarierization of the environment, which can make the whole country more attractive and increase its competitiveness as a destination on the international tourism market.

Keywords: Accessibility; Competitiveness; Offerings; Tourism (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I14 L83 Z32 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:prbchp:978-3-030-92491-1_18

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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-92491-1_18

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