Smart Cities and Advanced Technologies for the Tourist Experience of Disabled People in the Greek Mediterranean Zone
摘要
People with disabilities, a significantly increasing part of the population with diverse needs, are essential participants in travel and tourism experiences. However, their enjoyment of these experiences is contingent on the availability of fully accessible services. When applied in the broader context, advanced technologies can revolutionise the tourism industry, offering valuable services in all tourism chain activities and encouraging disabled people to travel more. In this research, we examined the accessibility issue and other services provided to disabled people from a technological perspective, exploring potential improvements to the Greek tourism industry to accommodate the needs of the disabled community better. The required information was collected using a questionnaire and online interviews with the participation of 10 people, which included disabled people, representatives from the local administration, and experts in the subjects of planning tourism and accessible design. The fundamental analysis of the questionnaire replies led to the construction of interview questions. The discussion with the study’s participants was analysed, and valuable insights were generated. The study’s main findings identified the rich county’s heritage value, the sustainable and friendly surroundings, and the use of technology in the broader context, which may offer valuable services to visitors with some disability. We propose a more holistic approach, where all stakeholders, including the audience, should cooperate and coordinate to provide high-quality services. By addressing these points and implementing effective strategies, the tourism industry in Greece can become more inclusive and welcoming for people with disabilities, enhancing their travel experiences and promoting equality. From the current study, all stakeholders of the Greek tourism industry and countries in the Mediterranean area with characteristics similar to Greece can gain significant insights.