Leisure travel behaviour of people with locomotor disability in a developing country

An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA)

Datos Bibliográficos

ID22110460
AutoresAthira Rajagopal V (Manipal Academy of Higher Education), Senthilkumaran Piramanayagam (0000-0001-6746-0421, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, autor de correspondencia), Vidya Patwardhan (0000-0003-4850-5537, Manipal Academy of Higher Education)
Año2025
Volumen11
Número1
Fecha de publicación2025-12-31
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaCogent Social Sciences (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 2331-1886 • E-ISSN: 2331-1886
EditorialInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/23311886.2025.2559866
OpenAlexW4414260966
IdiomaEN
Referencias citadas71

Despite the increased recognition that travel and tourism represent basic human rights and the need for inclusiveness, people with disabilities remain under-represented in the tourism industry. In this study, we examined the leisure travel experiences of people with locomotor disabilities (PWLDs), focusing on motivations, constraints, facilitators and negotiation strategies. Semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis revealed a complex interplay between intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, including emotional well-being, spirituality, accessibility and a welcoming environment at a tourism destination. Travel participation is also impeded by significant intrapersonal, interpersonal, and structural constraints, as well as social conditioning and negative past experiences. While some facilitators, such as community support and perseverance, were identified, the overwhelming presence of constraints often prevented leisure travellers from participating. The findings indicate that addressing these challenges is essential for fostering inclusive and sustainable tourism. This study highlights the critical need for targeted interventions, improved accessibility, and awareness campaigns by providing rich and contextually specific insights into the motivations and barriers faced by people with disabilities. Researchers, service providers and policymakers can adopt these results to develop more inclusive tourism products and policies that meet the unique needs of people with disabilities in India and beyond

Disabled people · Interpretative phenomenological analysis · Negotiation · Service provider · Social model of disability · Thematic analysis · Tourism · Diverse Aspects of Tourism Research · Recreation, Leisure, Wilderness Management · Urban Transport and Accessibility