Social & accessible tourism: Do they make business sense? Dr Lynn Minnaert University of Surrey

The potential 80 million Europeans with disabilities - over 15% of the whole population Persons with reduced mobility: up to 40% of population By 2020 around 25% of the population will be over 65 Loyal market – more likely to be repeat visitors In many areas demand for accessible accommodation outstrips supply

What do we mean?

Perspectives Product Tourists Accessible Tourism and non-AT users Accessible Tourism Users only Few special provisions Including Targeting Fully adapted product Adapting Repositioning

More than one way!

Enterprise types Type 1 Social problems as business opportunities Usually aimed at easier- to-serve client groups Profit-driven Type 2 Social objectives oriented towards a particular target group Close collaborations with charity May work to break-even rates (in off-season) Mission-driven

The Hytte

The Grove

Conclusion Social tourism Profit-driven Mission-driven Mutual influence