Access of disadvantaged individuals to tourism services through virtual reality glasses: Virtual reality as an opportunity and transformation tool

Abstract

This study explores how virtual reality (VR) can be used not only to enrich tourism experiences but also to support social equality and inclusivity by improving access and social integration for disadvantaged individuals. While prior research largely emphasizes VR’s experiential benefits for tourists, this research shifts attention to its broader social value for people with limited travel opportunities due to disability, age, or economic constraints. Using a qualitative approach, participants were first informed about the purpose of the study and then took part in a VR-based travel experience. Afterwards, semi-structured interviews were conducted through a 12-question guide, and the data were analyzed and interpreted in line with the research objectives. The findings indicate that many disadvantaged individuals had been able to travel in the past, but current economic conditions, commercial barriers, or personal health issues now restrict their access to tourism services. The study contributes to accessible tourism research by offering a technological perspective and demonstrating that VR can provide meaningful leisure and engagement opportunities, particularly for disabled, elderly, and economically disadvantaged groups. It also argues that VR may enhance independence, freedom, and quality of life by enabling individuals to virtually explore destinations they might otherwise be unable to visit, positioning VR as a socially and psychologically beneficial tool rather than merely an entertainment-oriented innovation.