BARRIERABILITY IN TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY AS A COMPONENT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF TOURIST DESTINATIONS

Abstract

The aim of the study is to theoretically substantiate barrier-free tourism and hospitality as a component of sustainable development of tourist destinations, which ensures equal access to tourist services, improves the quality of the tourist experience and strengthens the competitiveness of territories. The object of the study is the process of forming a barrier-free tourist space within tourist destinations, which covers the infrastructure, service, information, management and social aspects of tourism and hospitality development. The article reveals the theoretical and applied principles of barrier-free tourism and hospitality as an important component of sustainable development of tourist destinations. It is substantiated that accessibility should not be considered only as a technical adaptation of individual facilities for people with disabilities, since it is a much broader approach to the formation of an accessible, safe, comfortable and decent tourist space for all categories of visitors. Attention is focused on the fact that a modern tourist destination should provide equal opportunities for people with different physical, sensory, age, communication and information needs. The essence of physical, information, service and social accessibility is revealed, which together form the basis of a quality tourist experience. It is proven that accessibility is closely related to sustainable development, because an accessible destination combines economic efficiency, social inclusion, responsible space management and improving the quality of life of the local community. Considerable attention is paid to the role of tourism and hospitality enterprises, in particular hotels, restaurants, tour operators, tour operators, tour agencies, transport companies, museums and cultural and leisure facilities in the practical provision of accessibility. It is argued that accessibility of services should include not only architectural solutions, but also staff training, ethical communication, adapted information, understandable routes, accessible booking and proper support of tourists at all stages of the journey.