Investigating the Facilities Needed by Wheelchair-User Tourists in Museums to Develop Accessible Tourism

Accessible tourism is a type of tourism that includes the process of cooperation between stakeholders that enables people to function independently with justice and dignity through the fulfillment of accessibility needs (motor, visual, auditory, and cognitive), through the provision of universal services and products and empowers tourism environments. This study investigated the standards required by wheelchair users at the Natural History and Technology Museum in Shiraz City. Data were collected using the observation method based on a checklist. The results showed that the crossing routes, ramps, and slopes suit wheelchair users. Still, there is no place for wheelchair users in the conference hall, no elevator is installed to access the second floor, and toilets and parking are not designed for wheelchair users. Furthermore, because most of the items displayed in the museum are not at a suitable height, sensory access is not possible for wheelchair users. Based on the museum director's welcome and the suggestions provided, the museum can create a more suitable environment for accessible tourism.

Investigating the Facilities Needed by Wheelchair-User Tourists in Museums to Develop Accessible Tourism Keywords:

Disability , Accessible tourism , Museum , Wheelchair Users