Heritage Tourism: A Disabled Person's Rights to Engage in Social Activity

Abstract

Heritage tourism is a growing sector in the travel industry. However, disabled persons often face barriers in accessing heritage sites due to physical, informational, and attitudinal barriers. This paper examines the right of persons with disabilities to engage in social activity through heritage tourism. Drawing on the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the paper argues that heritage tourism must be made accessible to all, regardless of their disabilities. The paper highlights the importance of disability-inclusive design and the need for heritage site managers to adopt a disability-inclusive approach. Additionally, this paper highlights the benefits of accessible heritage tourism for disabled persons, such as increased social participation, cultural enrichment, and improved well-being. This paper opted to use the go-along interview method to gain findings for disabled person's lived experiences pertaining to their rights to engage in social activity. Physical barriers and difficulties in negotiating those barriers in accessing heritage buildings and sites are among the significant hurdles for disabled persons to participate in social activities offered in heritage tourism.