Introduction

In this chapter, we investigate access and inclusion for people with disabilities in tourism. From a policy-systematic analysis conducted at a state level and a case study of Victorian tourism, we conclude that despite the impressive state-wide policy of community oriented inclusion, those policies need greater recognisable impact on the ground (Department of Human Services Victoria, 2007; Department of Premier and Cabinet, 2001, 2005). In particular, while much the tourism practice and research still imagines physical accessibility equates to inclusion, one community used as a case study illustrates consideration for wider community social oriented inclusion. The state-wide policy analysis therefore identified future implications for theory and research on inclusive and accessible tourism in a broader context.

This study explores the benefits of inclusiveness from a stakeholder perspective. It investigates access and inclusion for people with disabilities using a broad state policy analysis in Victoria, Australia. This study provides readers with:

• An analysis of the key policy initiatives that impact access and inclusion for people with disabilities in tourism.

• A 'gap analysis' which may be used to further enhance strategic development for tourism inclusion.

• A case study of Victorian tourism in relation to stakeholder perspectives.

• Strategies to foster the concepts of inclusion in all Victorian communities through tourism.

Research on tourism and inclusion is crucial for the following reasons. First, international and Australian studies record that people who are socially marginalised have impaired access to health and community services and have worse mental health compared with people who are socially well integrated (Shaw et al. , 1999). Socially marginalised persons in need of assistance often under-utilise support services due to lack of knowledge about availability, stigma and discrimination, geographical isolation, inadequate transport, mobility challenges, cost of services and inflexibility of services (Eichhorn et al. , 2008; Daruwalla & Darcy, 2005).