Sustainability and Disability in the Digital Age: Some Experiences in Italian Tourism

The principles of sustainability extend from nature conservation to hope for a fairer and more inclusive society. Sustainability also means enhancing diversity and, in particular, disability. The digital revolution can facilitate this process by providing compensatory aids for personal deficits. People with disabilities can thus have a more active relational and social life, and also contribute to production thanks to the spread of a culture that removes prejudices. Disability management contributes to the access of these people to the working reality, outlining inclusive management philosophies. Even tourism cannot be precluded: attractions must therefore adapt to the demand of tourists with “special needs”, removing architectural barriers and encouraging the use of technologies to allow everyone to respond to an innate need for relaxation, but also appreciation of natural, artistic, cultural beauties, etc. The article develops these problems with specific reference to Italy, which has always been considered a privileged tourist destination.