Abstract of this study
There is growing academic and industry interest around the world in issues of disability, accessibility and universally accessible environments for travel and destinations, particularly in relation to the role of technology in tourism. This study presents a qualitative investigation with the following objectives: (1) to understand different types of barriers that visually impaired people encounter when visiting urban attractions; (2) to explore how technology can help reduce barriers for visually impaired smartphone and computer users when visiting urban attractions; and (3) to explore the impact of technological innovations that improve the accessibility of tourism in Hong Kong for visually impaired people. The target population of the study was young, local visitors with visual impairment to Hong Kong tourist attractions who also use smartphones and computers. The results showed that the biggest issue for respondents was lack of information. The study confirms the contribution of technology to improved accessibility by demonstrating that mobile applications are able to break down information barriers for the visually impaired. The study also shows that maps and images are the two areas where future technological innovation is particularly important.
Findings from this study
- The greatest difficulties come from the person themselves, mainly because people with visual impairments often receive too little information in a suitable form. This makes it difficult for them to understand things and find their way around.
- Modern technology helps to overcome difficulties. Access to information is particularly important. With smartphones, people with visual impairments can use the internet and have content read out to them. Special apps for buses and trains make traveling safer.
- However, technology cannot replace everything that people can do. In certain situations, real people are needed as support, especially because people without visual impairments unfortunately often do not really understand what people with visual impairments need.
- Some apps still have room for improvement. Navigation via GPS is not yet accurate enough and advertising and images often cannot be read aloud.
- Inclusive destination design should take into account contrasts, font sizes, lighting, audio systems, Braille and tactile guidance. In addition to visual aspects, the other four senses of smell, touch, taste and sound should also be included in the design of the visitor experience.
- Modern technology can solve many problems for visually impaired visitors. It helps them to travel more independently and could partially replace traditional aids.
Publication: Kit Ling Lam, Chung-Shing Chan & Mike Peters (2020)
