Eureka! Institutional Repository

In the present thesis, an attempt has been made to study the topic of tourism and more specifically the tourism of people with some form of disability (PWD). For some, the experience of traveling is a joyful state of affairs that always offers a feeling of satisfaction, to those who have the ability to experience it. For some, however, traveling can be an extremely difficult process, both in terms of organization and implementation. The most significant obstacle, in the category of persons with disabilities, is the inability to reach the final destination. Simply put, the impossibility of approaching the destination concerns both the physical ability (being able to reach the destination) and the information available before and during the journey. Therefore, all the population should be able to benefit from the right to tourism, both in terms of access to the environment and access to society. The result of accessibility is the best quality, comfort and safety of all citizens. Various studies and records have shown that people with disabilities, are as eager to be able to participate in the journey, as all their fellow citizens. Finally, in this thesis, a substantial effort has been made to study the existing facilities, for people with disabilities, in the city of Thessaloniki, as well as the feasibility of these facilities to be expanded and improved, providing our fellow citizens with disabilities, all the necessary conditions for their access to the tourist facilities. Another very important and essential purpose of this thesis is to present and record the reality that people with disabilities experience in their daily lives. This reality encompasses both the difficulties they face in accessibility and the extent to which services and facilities for people with disabilities are working harmoniously in this country. It is therefore appropriate to extend the term of disability, as well as the way in which these people are dealt with, in all matters, by the state. Many times, it is perhaps paradoxical, that many researchers, at a time of full development, continue to focus their research on whether people with disabilities, have access to the various buildings. And it is considered a paradox, because all buildings are constructed to accommodate and serve the public. Therefore, inaccessibility of some population groups also rejects this concept. And, unfortunately, everyday life proves that very few places of art, culture, tourism, etc. can serve particular populations.