Tourist destinations choice by visually impaired who owns a guide dog: motivations, facilitators and inhibitors of choice

Abstract

The scientific production based on tourist practices of disabled consumers is still incipient and if existing, it is usually related to wheelchair users. Seeking to narrow this gap, this article analyzes tourism from the perspective of a peculiar agent: the visually impaired tourist who owns a guide dog. An exploratory qualitative research with in-depth interviews was conducted to understand the factors that determine the visually impaired leisure travelers’ destination choice. Based on the interviews, it was possible to analyze the acceptance of the disability itself, inhibitors, facilitators and motivation of tourist consumption and the issues related to information and communication about the destination. Results show that the interviewees feel safe during the trip having the dog as a companion because it provides independence and autonomy. Physical accessibility is not an essential factor in choosing the destination, being the guide dog that influences the process. The choice criteria differ in the animal’s presence or absence. Information is a relevant issue because travel planning is meticulous. The opinion of those who also travel with guide dogs influences the construction of the destination image.

Keywords
Consumer behaviour; Tourist destination choice; Visually impaired; Guide dog