Information accessibility as an important global factor in accessible tourism

Silesian University in Opava, Faculty of Philosophy and Science, Institute of Spa, Gastronomy and Tourism, Masarykova 343/37, 746 01 Opava, Czech Republic

^* Corresponding author: jana.stuchlikova@fpf.slu.cz

Abstract

Research background: The modern tourism industry has undergone many significant changes in recent years, from the increasingly massive use of modern technologies, through the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, to a new trend in the form of increasing domestic tourism. If the tourism businesses wants to succeed in a competitive environment, they should focus on the quality of the information they publish on their websites, social networks or through other sources with greater intensity than before. Information accessibility is an important factor on the basis of which potential clients decide on the purchase of a tourist product. Until now, companies focused primarily on foreign clients now have more room to focus on the much-neglected issue of accessibility for clients with specific needs; on the other hand, companies focused on domestic clients can also expand the range language versions of their information channels. In addition, the fact that the accessibility of tourism businesses not only brings a competitive advantage, but also strengthens the economic potential of the region.

Purpose of the article: The aim of the paper is to map the level of information accessibility of tourism companies, primarily gastronomic facilities in the Czech Republic.

Methods: Primary data obtained from controlled interviews with representatives of professional associations and operators of monitored facilities and secondary data from publicly available sources were used.

Findings & Value added: The paper contains model examples of the state of information accessibility in tourism companies.