Published : 2025-04-30

Traveling without Limits? Opportunities and Challenges of Virtual Reality in Tourism for People with Disabilities

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to assess the utility of virtual reality (VR) technology as an alternative to traditional tourism for people with disabilities, especially those incapable of physical travel. Using Michael Heim’s theory of virtual space, the authors analyzed the functionality and interaction mechanisms of four VR applications taking into account the degree of immersion, interaction and telepresence. It was concluded that although the VR applications under review enable realistic sightseeing and have educational value, their utility is limited by the high price of hardware, reliance on physical interaction and a small number of locations available in narrative applications. While VR technology is a promising form of accessible tourism, it requires further development, especially improvements in the flexibility of interfaces and hardware capabilities, in order to be better suited to the needs of people with different degrees of disability.

Keywords:

virtual reality, tourism for people with disability, immersion, assistive technologies



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Śledź, M., & Kaim, A. (2025). Traveling without Limits? Opportunities and Challenges of Virtual Reality in Tourism for People with Disabilities. Studia Periegetica, 47(1), 2054. https://doi.org/10.58683/sp.2054

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Publisher
Uniwersytet WSB Merito w Poznaniu
ul. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 5
61-895 Poznań
e-mail: journals@poznan.merito.pl
University
Uniwersytet WSB Merito w Poznaniu / WSB Merito University
ul. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 5
61-895 Poznań

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