Evaluation of Universal Design Principles in Accessible Tourism in the Example of Samsun City Museum

Abstract

Museums play an important role in transferring historical and cultural values. Therefore, museums are among the centers that contribute to the image of a destination. The more accessible the museums of the city, the more tourists will be satisfied with the service they receive. Although museums are areas visited by tourists, they are also places that individuals such as the disabled, elderly, and children have the right to visit. However, individuals with disabilities or mobility restrictions may encounter problems arising from design and regulations in museums. This research aims to reveal the role of universal design principles in accessible tourism. For this purpose, the case study, one of the qualitative research methods, was carried out using the observation method. Samsun City Museum was photographed and analyzed according to universal design principles. The results of the research show that Samsun City Museum was not designed within the scope of universal design principles and that universal design principles are important in terms of accessible tourism.