Acessibilidade em roteiros de turismo rural no Brasil: Desafios para empreendedores e agricultores familiares

Accessible tourism is a human right, indicated as a civil and political right by the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, endorsed by the United Nations (UN) in 2006. Despite such deference, it is still a distant reality for people with disabilities. In the context of rural tourism, this issue becomes even more challenging, as rural areas often have uneven terrain and limited infrastructure. In addition to technical issues, inclusive adaptations promote hospitality in the rural environment, as they provide an unrestricted welcome, guaranteeing the autonomy necessary for the tourist activity. This study aimed to analyze the perception of hosts on tourist routes in rural areas regarding the accessibility of their enterprises. To achieve this, we opted for a qualitative and exploratory methodological approach. For this, an evaluation survey was carried out through questionnaires applied virtually to 238 representatives of tourist entrepreneurs and family farmers. This sample of participants was part of Experiences of Rural Brazil project, with a nationwide scope. The results indicate a concern with the accessibility of enterprises and openness to making adaptations to improve infrastructure. However, there is still a need for more investment in this area, especially in the availability of promotional materials and training, as well as in attending to different types of disabilities and reduced mobility. The evaluation research proved to be an important methodological contribution to generate reflection in the participants on their own ventures, which could lead to changes in the structure and promote a more inclusive tourism.