Travel by families with children possessing disabilities: Motives and activities

While research to understand the family as a leisure travel unit has received significant attention in recent years, little research has been undertaken on families of children with disabilities. This current study seeks to investigate the tourism motivation and activities of Korean families with disabled children through a sample of 161 such families. Utilizing a factor analysis, this study identified five motivational factors and seven activity factors. Among them, “physical competence (mastery) of disabled children” appeared to be the most important motivational factor for families of children with disabilities, while “sedentary outdoor activities” were revealed as the most prominent activity in which they engaged during family leisure trips. This study further examined the interrelationships between trip motivations and activity domains and identified significant linkages between the two. Also discussed are the theoretical and managerial implications of the findings, and recommendations for more effective service for these groups of families.

► This study identified five motivational factors and seven activity factors for family travelers with disabled children.
► Physical competence (mastery) of disabled children appeared to be the most important motivational factor for the families.
► Sedentary outdoor activities were revealed as the most prominent activity that they engaged in during family trips.
► This study identified significant linkages between the motivation and activity domains.