The study on the expectations of physically disabled people from the accommodation businesses: The case of Eskişehir

It is forecasted that there are 650 million disabled people in the World. This populationis estimated to be more than 8.5 million in Turkey. Research by several internationalassociations estimates that the disabled population will be doubled by the year 2030.Higher population of the disabled people, and their travels with a companion havejustified that disabled people is a growing market for tourism industry, and an importantniche market. However, research has shown that social and environmental problems thatthe disabled people face while traveling have a negative impact on the touristicmovements of this population. The purpose of this study is to investigate tourismmovements of physically (orthopedic) disabled people that compose the majority amongother disabilities, to ascertain their expectations from the accommodation businessesand to reveal their evaluation of the accessibility of the accommodation businesses. Thedata collection instrument was developed on the basis of an extensive literature review.Due to time, cost and accessibility constraints, the study is limited to physically disabledpeople living in Eskisehir. On the basis of study findings, initially the factors that inhibitphysically disabled people from travelling were determined. Further, the relationsbetween the demographics of the participants and the sub factors (expectations, holidayevaluations and the convenience of the business) were analyzed. Finally, theconclusions and the implications were discussed in detail on the basis of study findings,and suggestions were made for Turkey on developing disabled tourism market andmaintaining accommodation businesses compatible to the needs of this market.Key words: Disabled tourism, Physically disabled, Accommodation businesses,Eskişehir.