Accessible adventure tourism: supply-side barriers and opportunities for developing inclusive tourism.

Adventure tourism activities feature varying levels of physical exertion, risk, cognitive and sensory stimuli, are often located in natural environments and involve speciality transport or equipment – all potential barriers to people with disability. Normalising accessibility requires identifying barriers, motivations and opportunities. Thematic analysis of 12 in-depth interviews with tourism operators revealed inherent and perceived risks in adventure tourism activities, lack of awareness and education, and costs that inhibit participation by people with disability. Financial gain was not a key motivation. Operators indicated a strong desire, and open-mindedness underpinned motivation for inclusive approaches. Findings offer unique insights to advance the discourse. However, accessible adventure tourism will require broader financial support, directed education and training for staff and guests, and inclusive collaboration.