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The continuous growth of e-commerce, combined with new trends in the tourism sector, creates an imperative to conduct analyses and establish suitable models for improving the experience of users who seek tourism products online, using search and metasearch engines. However, few studies analyze web design variables and their impacts on the user experience. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the influence of content, usability, functionality, and branding for determining user experiences with search engines and metasearch engines dedicated to tourism. The methodology used in this research followed a mixed approach to fulfill the proposed dual perspective, that is, to collect data from websites and evaluate the user experience. To determine the variables to be modeled, the authors use a General Additive Model. Main results reveal two determinant factors that enhance the user experience: usability and branding. With this foundation, this study proposes basic premises of the digital strategy that tourism platforms should follow. As implications for the tourism sector, suggest that e-commerce search and metasearch engines in the tourism industry should devote substantial efforts to implementing interactivity, memorability, personalization, privacy, and security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing market opportunities have been identified for accessible tourism as a result of improved quality of life. Disabled tourists tend to be loyal, spend more and enjoy longer stays in their destinations, although their behaviour obviously differs from one country to another. This situation is strongly influenced by the welfare policies that determine the disability model implemented and affect the extent to which disabled people are integrated into day-to-day. Northern European countries are regarded as champions in this respect. When disabled people travel, access to information is important. Information is present throughout the tourism process, not only as a communication and marketing channel, but also as a transmitter of experiences. This study seeks to establish whether the policies and regulations that govern disabled people's access to online tourist information are applied correctly. The official tourism websites of northern European countries were analysed to this end; whereby different patterns were identified regarding their compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. The atypical features of Norway's official tourism website were found to be particularly noteworthy, as were the official tourism websites for Germany and the United Kingdom, two of the countries with the largest market share of accessible tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Between 2014 and 2016, Brazil will host a number of large events, where the Olympics of Rio de Janeiro are the most noteworthy. The tourism industry will be one of the beneficiaries. It has established an objective to bring 10 million tourists in 2016, doubling overseas arrivals. This can create many business opportunities for the industry. This paper analyzes this goal by examining two key factors linked to the Olympics, legacy and new tourism segments, in particular, seniors and accessible tourism. A study using content analysis of the bibliography about Rio 2016 will be applied to determine the current body of knowledge. Following this, a case study will be drawn upon the Barcelona and Sydney Games to establish the key elements of the legacy and their tourist outcomes. The findings will establish the main factors required to meet Brazil's tourist objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThis study addresses a research gap by introducing a pioneering theoretical framework for analyzing the projected image of Accessible Tourist Destinations (ATDs). Building on existing approaches to evaluating destination competitiveness and destination images, this framework was developed systematically codifying relevant literature, semi-structured interviews with people with disabilities, and expert panel consultations. The ATD model was tested by comparing analysis of official tourism websites from Spain and Portugal. The results show that ATDs combine functional attributes, such as technology, with key psychological characteristics, like an inclusive society and a tourism sector committed to accessibility. The findings suggest that a country’s tourism management structure may influence the competitive performance of local destinations. This study advances theories of competitiveness and destination image by incorporating the perspectives of tourists with disabilities. It provides practical insights for Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) to attract a more diverse market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]