Abstract
This study investigates the travel experiences of visually impaired tourists, focusing on the challenges they face, their awareness of accessible tourism services, and the role of self-advocacy in improving their travel experiences. Through qualitative interviews with 17 visually impaired adults, the research highlights the importance of knowledge, awareness, and empowerment in enhancing accessibility in the tourism industry. The findings reveal that many visually impaired individuals rely heavily on family members for travel assistance, leading to a lack of awareness about their rights and available technologies. The study emphasizes the need for inclusive design, multi-sensory tourism experiences, and digital accessibility to foster independence and improve the travel experience for visually impaired individuals.
