1. ACCESSIBLE SZCZYRK HOTELS’ FEATURES FOR DISABLED TOURISTS Irena Szewczyk The University of Bielsko Biała

2. ToSEE - Tourism in South East Europe 3rd International Scientific Conference Sustainable Tourism, Economic Development and Quality of Life University of Rijeka, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management Opatija ABSTRACT Due to socio-demographic changes related to aging society, adapting the buildings – including hotels – to the needs of elderly and disabled persons become more and more vital

3. ToSEE - Tourism in South East Europe 3rd International Scientific Conference Sustainable Tourism, Economic Development and Quality of Life University of Rijeka, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management Opatija PURPOSE The aim of this paper is to evaluate an availability of hotels for the segment of elderly people and people with disabilities.

4. ToSEE - Tourism in South East Europe 3rd International Scientific Conference Sustainable Tourism, Economic Development and Quality of Life University of Rijeka, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management Opatija INTRODUCTION According to The World Health Organization (WHO) circa 15% of the world's population, an equivalent 1 billion people, are effected by disabilities. In European Union, disabled constitute about 15% of population - This means that in all countries of the UE live about 80 million people with disabilities

5. ToSEE - Tourism in South East Europe 3rd International Scientific Conference Sustainable Tourism, Economic Development and Quality of Life University of Rijeka, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management Opatija INTRODUCTION In the years ahead, disability will be an even greater concern because its prevalence is on the rise. This is due to ageing population and the higher risk of disability in older people as well as the global increase in chronic health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and mental health disorders.

6. ToSEE - Tourism in South East Europe 3rd International Scientific Conference Sustainable Tourism, Economic Development and Quality of Life University of Rijeka, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management Opatija THE ESSENCE OF DISABILITY Disability is a complex phenomenon, reflecting the interaction between features of a person’s body and features of the society in which he or she lives. (WHO) In traditional medical views, disability is the long-term or permanent functional limitations produced by physical impairments (LIACHOVITZ 2012)

7. ToSEE - Tourism in South East Europe 3rd International Scientific Conference Sustainable Tourism, Economic Development and Quality of Life University of Rijeka, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management Opatija THE ESSENCE OF DISABILITY Impairment is any loss or abnormality of psychological, psychological or anatomical structure or function (Buhalis and Darcy, 2011) Disability is any restriction or lack (resulting from an impairment) of ability to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being (Buhalis and Darcy) A handicap is a disadvantage for a given individual, resulting from impairment or a disability that limits or prevents the fulfilment of a role that is normal (depending on age, sex and cultural factors) for that individual (Edwards 2005)

8. ToSEE - Tourism in South East Europe 3rd International Scientific Conference Sustainable Tourism, Economic Development and Quality of Life University of Rijeka, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management Opatija THE ESSENCE OD DISABILITY Disabled person is a person who is considered to have a dysfunction of mobility, functionality or life activity in a degree which makes it difficult to fulfil relevant social roles (Grabowski and Milewska and Stasiak 2007, 33). A disabled person is a person with an impairment who experiences disability (Centre for Disability Studies).

9. ToSEE - Tourism in South East Europe 3rd International Scientific Conference Sustainable Tourism, Economic Development and Quality of Life University of Rijeka, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management Opatija REQUIREMENTS IN ADAPTING HOTEL PREMISES TO THE NEEDS OF DISABLED PEOPLE Outside areas: Parking spaces designated for disabled persons Access routes that are flat (without steps) and with a stable surface Ramps and handrails where necessary Entrance doors with level access Tactile and high-contrast route markings

10. ToSEE - Tourism in South East Europe 3rd International Scientific Conference Sustainable Tourism, Economic Development and Quality of Life University of Rijeka, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management Opatija REQUIREMENTS IN ADAPTING HOTEL PREMISES TO THE NEEDS OF DISABLED PEOPLE Internal access routes: Door handles Ramps and handrails where necessary Wide doors, passageways, corridors and space to pass between dining tables, display stands, etc. Clear turning spaces in rooms, meeting rooms, entrance halls, etc.

11. ToSEE - Tourism in South East Europe 3rd International Scientific Conference Sustainable Tourism, Economic Development and Quality of Life University of Rijeka, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management Opatija REQUIREMENTS IN ADAPTING HOTEL PREMISES TO THE NEEDS OF DISABLED PEOPLE Internal access routes: Lifts (elevators) – wide and deep with tactile buttons; visual and audible indication Clear general signage and understandable pictograms Signage indicating accessible areas and features in bathrooms Tactile and high-contrast route markings

12. ToSEE - Tourism in South East Europe 3rd International Scientific Conference Sustainable Tourism, Economic Development and Quality of Life University of Rijeka, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management Opatija REQUIREMENTS IN ADAPTING HOTEL PREMISES TO THE NEEDS OF DISABLED PEOPLE Toilet and bathroom: Support handrails beside toilets, baths and overhead showers Free space beside toilets for side transfer Wheel-in shower (no step) and non-slip floor surfaces of floors

13. ToSEE - Tourism in South East Europe 3rd International Scientific Conference Sustainable Tourism, Economic Development and Quality of Life University of Rijeka, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management Opatija REQUIREMENTS IN ADAPTING HOTEL PREMISES TO THE NEEDS OF DISABLED PEOPLE General: Sufficient lighting levels, without glare or reflections Glass doors and large windows properly marked No smoking policy or designated non-smoking zones in all service areas Guestrooms with non-allergenic bedding and cleaning materials Provisions for service animals

14. ToSEE - Tourism in South East Europe 3rd International Scientific Conference Sustainable Tourism, Economic Development and Quality of Life University of Rijeka, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management Opatija METHODOLOGY: 1.The key subject area of my research is defined as a population of disabled persons. 2.The aim of this paper is to evaluate an availability of hotels for the segment of elderly people and people with disabilities. 3.The research question of the study is an attempt to assess the availability of the services for elderly and disabled in hotels, recreational resorts and guest houses in Szczyrk town.

15. ToSEE - Tourism in South East Europe 3rd International Scientific Conference Sustainable Tourism, Economic Development and Quality of Life University of Rijeka, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management Opatija METHODOLOGY: the following hypothesis is tested: the tourist lodgings in Szczyrk town are adapted for the services for disabled persons.

16. ToSEE - Tourism in South East Europe 3rd International Scientific Conference Sustainable Tourism, Economic Development and Quality of Life University of Rijeka, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management Opatija THE FOLLOWING POINTS ARE IN THE FOCUS OF THIS STUDY: the identification of accommodation in the town of Szczyrk, defining the requirements concerning the adaptation of accommodation units to the needs of the disabled, the identification of the disabled and the elderly,

17. ToSEE - Tourism in South East Europe 3rd International Scientific Conference Sustainable Tourism, Economic Development and Quality of Life University of Rijeka, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management Opatija THE FOLLOWING POINTS ARE IN THE FOCUS OF THIS STUDY: defining the accessibility of such units for the disabled and the elderly, defining the awareness of the meaning of adapting these kind of premises for disabled persons.

18. ToSEE - Tourism in South East Europe 3rd International Scientific Conference Sustainable Tourism, Economic Development and Quality of Life University of Rijeka, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management Opatija METHODOLOGY: The place where the study was carried out is one of the most popular ski resort towns in Poland – Szczyrk. The survey was performed in November and December 2014.

19. ToSEE - Tourism in South East Europe 3rd International Scientific Conference Sustainable Tourism, Economic Development and Quality of Life University of Rijeka, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management Opatija METHODOLOGY: Located among Skrzyczne and Klimczok mountains in the valley of the Żylica river, it is called a winter capital of Beskidy Region.

20. ToSEE - Tourism in South East Europe 3rd International Scientific Conference Sustainable Tourism, Economic Development and Quality of Life University of Rijeka, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management Opatija METHODOLOGY: Szczyrk is the town of a tourism and leisure and the nature.

21. ToSEE - Tourism in South East Europe 3rd International Scientific Conference Sustainable Tourism, Economic Development and Quality of Life University of Rijeka, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management Opatija METHODOLOGY: This popular recreation centre has about 20 km of ski and snowboard routes, caves and arrows, regional antiques and many other attractions.

22. ToSEE - Tourism in South East Europe 3rd International Scientific Conference Sustainable Tourism, Economic Development and Quality of Life University of Rijeka, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management Opatija METHODOLOGY:

23. ToSEE - Tourism in South East Europe 3rd International Scientific Conference Sustainable Tourism, Economic Development and Quality of Life University of Rijeka, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management Opatija THE SURVEY COMPRISED: A group of 100 disabled persons of various levels of disabilities visiting Szczyrk, All hotels, guest houses and recreational resorts in Szczyrk: 7 hotels (three 2-star, two 3-star and two 4-star hotels, 12 recreational resorts and 7 guest houses.

24. ToSEE - Tourism in South East Europe 3rd International Scientific Conference Sustainable Tourism, Economic Development and Quality of Life University of Rijeka, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management Opatija METHODOLOGY: The study was carried out using the questionnaire method by using questionnaires, surveys and interviews.

25. ToSEE - Tourism in South East Europe 3rd International Scientific Conference Sustainable Tourism, Economic Development and Quality of Life University of Rijeka, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management Opatija RESULTS: Out of all analyzed hotels, only one hotel, a 2-star hotel, is not adapted to serve disabled guests. None of the guest houses is able to receive any disabled guests Three recreational resorts can provide service for the disabled.

26. ToSEE - Tourism in South East Europe 3rd International Scientific Conference Sustainable Tourism, Economic Development and Quality of Life University of Rijeka, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management Opatija RESULTS: The study shows the recreational areas of the studied accommodation units in Szczyrk are also not very well adapted to the needs of the elderly and disabled nor are they easily accessible for this group of people.

27. ToSEE - Tourism in South East Europe 3rd International Scientific Conference Sustainable Tourism, Economic Development and Quality of Life University of Rijeka, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management Opatija RESULTS: These basic studies were also supplemented with an additional survey which was filled out by 100 respondents with different degrees of disability.

28. ToSEE - Tourism in South East Europe 3rd International Scientific Conference Sustainable Tourism, Economic Development and Quality of Life University of Rijeka, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management Opatija THE STUDY CONFIRMED THAT: people with a dysfunction of mobility are the most numerous group of disabled-74%, people with poor eyesight -9%, people with speech disabilities-8%, people with mental illness- 7%, people with poor hearing- 2%.

29. ToSEE - Tourism in South East Europe 3rd International Scientific Conference Sustainable Tourism, Economic Development and Quality of Life University of Rijeka, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management Opatija BARRIERS IN THE ASSESSMENT OF SURVEYED: the lack of information concerning the facilities and conveniences on the websites of accommodation units, the lack of space in accommodation units, the lack of appropriate service at the reception desk, quite large differences in terrain like hills or steep areas, large distances from the bus stops

30. ToSEE - Tourism in South East Europe 3rd International Scientific Conference Sustainable Tourism, Economic Development and Quality of Life University of Rijeka, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management Opatija CONCLUSIONS: the hypothesis “the tourist lodgings in Szczyrk town are adapted for the services for disabled persons” set in the introduction was not confirmed, the accommodation base in Szczyrk (hotels and resorts) is not well adapted to the needs of the disabled, the disabled who would like to stay in Szczyrk are forced to use hotels, is a big difficulty which undoubtedly has an influence on the number of disabled people travelling and visiting Szczyrk.

31. ToSEE - Tourism in South East Europe 3rd International Scientific Conference Sustainable Tourism, Economic Development and Quality of Life University of Rijeka, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management Opatija CONCLUSIONS: The managers and owners of places of accommodation should put in great effort to expand their offer, improve their services and include various facilities in order to gain faithful customers.

32. Thank you for your attention! Irena Szewczyk The University of Bielsko-Biała E-mail:iszewczyk@poczta.onet.pl