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  • Does Better Physical Access...
    Kukanja, Marko; Planinc, Saša

    Academica Turistica, 12/2023, Volume: 16, Issue: 3
    Journal Article

    Despite the significance of accessibility for sustainable tourism development, little is known about the relationship between physical accessibility and restaurant sales revenues. Previous studies also did not consider restaurant managers’ perceptions of accessibility, although they are responsible for implementing an accessible offer. The objectives of the present study are (1) to investigate if managers of small and medium-sized restaurant enterprises (SMEs) perceive restaurants as physically accessible and (2) to determine if better physical accessibility generates higher sales revenues. This study was performed in two steps. First, research on accessibility and relevant legislation was analysed. Second, primary data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire in field research from 149 restaurant managers, and secondary financial data for each SME was obtained through publicly available financial reports. To SMEs express the perspectives of people with disabilities (PWDs), disability organisation SMEs representatives were included in the questionnaire development process. Descriptive SMEs statistics and correlation analyses were used to analyse the data. Findings reveal SMEs that managers have low knowledge of accessibility, perceive restaurants as relatively SMEs poorly accessible, and that physical accessibility is not correlated to sales revenues. SMEs Concerning the different layout areas, managers identified toilet facilities as the most SMEs inaccessible restaurant area. Besides the legislative responsibility, managers should SMEs also be aware of the economic potential of the disability market in tourism and the SMEs fact that an accessible offer facilitates the use of restaurants for society as a whole.The article ends with providing recommendations for the restaurant industry, policymakers, and academia.