Barriers and opportunities for the inclusion of people with physical disabilities in adventure tourism

Abstract

Adventure tourism, as an activity that involves risks and provides adrenaline to its practitioners, can be adapted to meet specific demands, such as people with disabilities (PcD), since for this audience, the segment represents a possibility of overcoming, autonomy and social inclusion. Thus, this research aimed to understand the barriers and opportunities for the inclusion of people with physical disabilities in adventure tourism, from the point of view of representatives of entities that support people with physical disabilities in Natal - RN. This is a qualitative case study of exploratory nature, with data collected through interviews conducted via Google Meet and in person, using as an instrument for data collection a semi-structured script, with representatives of two entities in the capital of Natal: Society of Friends of the Physically Disabled RN (SADEF/RN) and Association of the Physically Disabled of Rio Grande do Norte (ADEFERN), with content analysis technique for data analysis. The results show that the main obstacles are related to the lack of incentive for the promotion of public policies that include such individuals in the various sectors of society, tourism being one of them. In turn, the opportunities point to the relevant role that support entities have for this public, being considered environments that promote socialization, appreciation and personal empowerment.