New Perspectives in Science Education
"Libraries and Accessible Tourism": A Conceptual Framework for Developing a Theme-based Web Portal
Radoslav Hristov, State University of Library Studies and Information Technologies (ULSIT) (Bulgaria)
Tania Todorova, State University of Library Studies and Information Technologies (SULSIT) (Bulgaria)
Abstract
Accessible information is one of the seven key elements of the tourism industry chain, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) [1]. The challenge of finding information about suitable accessible destinations can be a significant obstacle – especially for people with special needs planning to participate in tourism activities [2]. Museums and galleries are often among the most popular tourist attractions, and in recent years, ensuring accessibility in these venues has become a priority for many stakeholders in the tourism sector. Along with them, libraries (most often public ones) have increasingly been recognized as sites within the scope of cultural tourism. However, so far, little effort has been made to explore the connection between libraries’ accessibility and the potential to expand tourism offerings through it [3]. This paper introduces the conceptual model of a specialized online platform called “Libraries and Accessible Tourism”, focused on the opportunities that libraries in Bulgaria can offer in this area. The methodology includes analyzing literature sources and examples of best practices in accessible tourism and library tourism, which highlighted the need for greater awareness of the role libraries can play in expanding and strengthening accessible tourism. The goal of creating such an online hub is to develop a resource repository relevant to the topic, serve as an information bridge among various stakeholders, and inspire new initiatives. By design, the platform aims to become a valuable tool for library professionals, tourism entities, and, most importantly, the end-users of accessible tourism.
Keywords: Libraries, accessible tourism, library tourism, information portal, Bulgaria
REFERENCES
[1] World Tourism Organization (2013). Recommendations on Accessible Tourism. UNWTO, Madrid. https://doi.org/10.18111/9789284415984
[2] Stankova, M., Amoiradis, C., Velissariou, E. & Grigoriadou, D. (2021). Accessible tourism in Greece: A satisfaction survey on tourists with disabilities. Management Research and Practice, 13(1), 5-16. https://mrp.ase.ro/no131/f1.pdf
[3] Hristov, R. (2025). Experience and Attitudes of Bulgarian Libraries as Partners in the Field of Accessible Tourism, Strategies for Policy in Science and Education, 33(4), 499-523. https://doi.org/10.53656/str2025-4-6-opi
