Examining supply-side perspectives on the market for tourists with disabilities in South Korea

Examining supply-side perspectives on the market for tourists with disabilities in South Korea

The purpose of this study was to examine the supply-side perspectives of the market for tourists with disabilities in Korea, and the differences, if any, between two representative sectors: accommodation and travel agencies. A self-administered questionnaire was developed and distributed to employees of these sectors via e-mail and on-site visits. A total of 369 responses were included in the final data analysis. Major findings indicated that employees of the two sectors agreed that tourists with disabilities have the same rights and desires to travel as tourists without disabilities; however, they do not seem to recognize the economic potential of the market. Secondly, both sectors are ill-prepared for the market, although the state of readiness is superior in the accommodation sector than in the travel agency sector. Implications of these results are discussed.