DOI - Mendel University Press

DOI identifiers

DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0143

EXPLORING INCLUSIVE TOURISM: ACCESSIBILITY OF TOURISM PRODUCTS FOR TOURISTS WITH ACCESS NEEDS IN SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK, TANZANIA

Awadhi Titu Mussa1, Ondabu Kiage2, Judy Kibe3, Veronika Piscová4
1 College of African Wildlife Management, Mweka, P.O Box 3031, Moshi, Tanzania
2 Department of Tourism and Tour Operations Management, Moi University, P. O. Box 3900, Eldoret, Kenya
3 Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure Studies, Maasai Mara University, P. O. Box 861, Narok, Kenya
4 Institute of Landscape Ecology – branch Nitra, Akademicka 2, 949 10 Nitra, Slovakia


The global population of tourists with access needs is expanding, and many possess both the financial capacity and motivation to travel. However, participation remains constrained by inadequate accessibility and limited inclusivity across tourism destinations. This study examines inclusive tourism by assessing the accessibility of tourism products for tourists with access needs in Serengeti National Park. Guided by the Long Tail theory of market expansion, an exploratory research design was employed. From a target population of 292 individuals, 66 participants were purposively selected, with data collection continuing to saturation. Data were gathered through interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations and analyzed thematically. Findings reveal that most tourism products in the park are not designed to accommodate tourists with access needs, limiting meaningful engagement and restricting them as a viable market opportunity. Despite its economic potential, accessible tourism provision remains limited. The study recommends establishing and enforcing accessibility standards and developing supportive tools and digital applications to enhance travel planning and on-site navigation. By highlighting accessibility gaps in protected areas, the study advances knowledge on inclusive tourism product design and its role in promoting equitable and sustainable tourism development.

Keywords: universal design, market diversification, visitor experience, disability inclusion, sustainable destination development

pages: 143-146, Published: 2026, online: 2026



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