Accessibility Requirements of Inbound Chinese Tourists with Disabilities to New Zealand: A Supply Perspective

Abstract

This study explored a supply perspective of the accessibility requirements of inbound Chinese tourists with disabilities to New Zealand. The objectives of the study were to: 1) determine how the tourism industry can best meet the accessibility requirements of tourists with disabilities from the perspectives of accessible tourism service providers; and 2) analyse Chinese outbound tour operators’ websites accessibility and provision of accessibility information for inbound Chinese tourists with disabilities to New Zealand.

The first research objective was met through semi-structured interviews with two experienced New Zealand accessible tourism service providers. Their data revealed that customised services, collaboration, and information provision were the key needs for meeting the requirements of tourists with disabilities. The study showed that New Zealand accessible tourism service providers believe these strategies can effectively address the accessibility requirements of tourists with disabilities.

The second research objective involved analysing the websites of six Chinese outbound tour operators that were recommended as preferred partners by Tourism New Zealand. Applying web content analysis, the study analysed the websites’ accessibility and their provision of accessibility information. The results revealed that the websites were inadequate in addressing the accessibility requirements of Chinese tourists with disabilities, especially in terms of the provision of accessibility information.

This study is one of the few in New Zealand that focuses on the accessibility requirements of Chinese tourists with disabilities from a supplier perspective. It provides recommendations for improvement for both New Zealand accessible tourism service providers and Chinese outbound tour operators, with the aim of promoting the development of the accessible tourism market between the two countries and enabling more tourists with disabilities to participate in tourism activities.