Turismo e invisibilidade social: um estudo da estrutura de acessibilidade em espaços turísticos, das políticas públicas e das experiências de pessoas com deficiência visual em Natal/RN

Abstract

Social invisibility is a problem that highlights inequalities and has affected society since the dawn of civilization; however, only recently has it garnered more significant debate. Even with globalization and technological advancement, political crises around the world exacerbate these inequalities. Tourism has long been perceived as an elitist practice, but there is now increasing discussion about social inclusion within this field. The inclusion of people with disabilities in tourism practices is the focus of this study. Through the analysis of the relationships between tourism and social invisibility, this research centers on the accessibility infrastructure in tourist spaces, existing public policies, and the experiences of visually impaired individuals in Natal, RN. The objective of this research is to analyze the relationships between tourism and social invisibility, with a focus on accessibility structures in tourist spaces, existing public policies, and the experiences of visually impaired people in Natal, RN. The overall goal will be addressed by examining the positive and negative aspects of accessibility for visually impaired individuals in tourist spaces, mapping the main public policies aimed at visually impaired people in these areas, and analyzing the perceptions of visually impaired individuals regarding their inclusion and significance in the tourism landscape. The methodological approach of this research involved bibliographic research to underpin the study, documentary research of public policies, focus groups with visually impaired individuals to understand their perceptions as tourists or leisure participants, and on-site observations of tourist locations such as Ponta Negra Beach and Forte dos Reis Magos. This work addresses the social invisibility of visually impaired individuals in tourism from the perspective of inadequate accessibility infrastructure in tourist spaces, ineffective inclusion public policies, and potential distortions in self-concept regarding their rights to inclusion. The study reveals that the social exclusion of blind individuals is perpetuated by a lack of public policies, inadequate infrastructure, and societal misinformation. The implications point to the need for a review and strengthening of urban accessibility strategies, especially in tourist spaces. The importance of education and awareness-raising for the inclusion of people with disabilities (PwDs) is also emphasized. The findings confirm the literature advocating for a more integrated and inclusive approach to address these challenges.