With over 2.2 billion people globally living with vision impairment, tourism is essential for quality of life, yet visually impaired individuals face unique barriers in travel decision-making. Existing research focuses on physical accessibility and infrastructure, with limited attention to lived experiences of visually impaired travelers, particularly how they engage with tourism media amid advancing assistive technologies. This qualitative study identifies factors influencing travel decisions among visually impaired individuals in Bangkok, Thailand. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 20 participants and three focus groups categorized by impairment type: congenital blindness, acquired blindness, and low vision. Participants were working-age adults with middle-income status. Thematic analysis was employed. Findings reveal themes challenging conventional assumptions. First, impairment type significantly shapes distinct travel concerns. Second, AI-powered technologies have transformed travel, enabling real-time visual descriptions, signage reading via smartphones, and photography. Third, community-based networks play a critical role through group trips, sighted guides, and social media engagement. Fourth, participants relied heavily on digital platforms for tourism information, including reviews and AI-generated audio descriptions of visual content—highlighting the underexplored role of accessible tourism communication. Traditional features such as Braille signage and tactile blocks were less relevant than expected. Budget and accommodation were not significant barriers. These findings suggest tourism communicators should prioritize accessible content design, AI-compatible media, and community-centered digital strategies to engage visually impaired travelers, contributing to SDG Goals 10 and 11 on reducing inequalities and inclusive communities.

Authors:
Yukolwat Bhakdechakriwut, Srinakharinwirot University, Thailand

About the Presenter(s)
Full-time Lecturer, Department of Communication Innovation, College of Social Communication Innovation
Srinakharinwirot university (2014 - Present)

See this presentation on the full schedule – Tuesday Schedule

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