Democratization of Tourism: practices for social inclusion in hospitality
Democratization of Tourism: practices for social inclusion in hospitality
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51473/rcmos.v1i2.2025.1542Keywords:
inclusive tourism, social democratization, hospitality, public policy, accessibility, local developmentAbstract
The democratization of tourism aims to transform tourism into a social right, ensuring that everyone — regardless of income, disability, gender, or origin — can access this practice with dignity. This article proposes both a conceptual and practical foundation for inclusive hospitality, drawing on international public policies and private initiatives to generate socioeconomic impacts. Based on case studies (Spain, France, Brazil, and the United States) and an analysis of contemporary theory, it argues that inclusive tourism fosters social cohesion, generates local income, and reduces territorial inequalities. Strategic guidelines are proposed in the areas of professional training, universal design, and participatory governance, with the goal of making hospitality a space for citizenship.
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Copyright (c) 2021 Heyder Henrique de Castro Fonseca (Autor)

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.




