Accessible tourism – Nature-based activities for all, needs for assistive devices and information among people with disabilities
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Involvement in nature-based activities is shown to increase health and wellbeing. However, some people with disabilities require assistive devices to be able to participate in such activities. By exploring the needs of persons with disabilities regarding assistive devices, this study aims to gain a better understanding of how accessible nature-based experiences for all can be supported.
Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism 52 (2025)
Authors: Tor Erik Heyerdahl Nyquist, Reidun Birgitta Jahnsen, Trond Bliksvær, Ana Koncul, Karin Marie Antonsen.
Abstract
The article builds on a large-scale digital survey of the needs and experiences of persons with disabilities who were contacted through user organizations and a rehabilitation center in Norway.
Most of the respondents reported that they brought their own assistive devices for activities of daily living, such as crutches, wheelchairs, hearing aids, or a white cane. However, they wanted to rent or lend assistive devices for sports and outdoor activities.
Information about accessibility was reported to be very important but often lacking. To allow for more universally designed services and environments, nature-based travel destinations should aim to provide assistive devices for activities along with ordinary equipment, information
about it on their websites, and competent staff to make nature-based experiences accessible for all.
Management implications
This study highlights the importance of improving accessibility in nature-based tourism through the provision of assistive devices for outdoor activities, such as sit-skis and other adaptive equipment.
Managers of rural travel destinations are encouraged to collaborate with competence centers for training and adaptation, and to establish loan and reuse schemes to ensure efficient use of such equipment.
Providing clear online information about accessibility features can further enhance inclusivity.
Read the full 9-page article at Elsevier-Science Direct
This article is part of a special issue entitled: Physical Activity and Mountain Sports published in Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism.
Corresponding author. Tor Erik Nyquist, Beitostølen Healthsports Center, Sentervegen 4, Beitostølen, 2953, Norway.
E-mail addresses: torerik.nyquist@bhss.no (T.E. Heyerdahl Nyquist).
Keywords:
Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities (CRPD), Accessible tourism, Assistive devices for activities, Nature based activities, Information.