Designing Accessible Tourism, a Strategic Business Profile of the Tour Operator Echo Journeys for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Travelers in El Salvador.
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Date
2026-02-02
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Universidad de El Salvador. Facultad de Ciencias y Humanidades
Abstract
This project addresses the critical issue of accessibility and inclusivity within the tourism sector in El Salvador, particularly for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. The study’s primary objective was to develop a comprehensive and viable business profile for Echo Journeys, a specialized tour operator to offer accessible hiking and cultural experiences in natural reserves in El Salvador. The research employs a descriptive and conceptual design approach, leveraging a theoretical framework on sustainable tourism service quality, and empirical evidence collected during field trips. The analysis successfully established a detailed product profile, defined core operational elements, and created a strategic blueprint for the company’s launch and growth, detailing its market niche, mission, and unique value proposition on sign language communication. The central conclusion is that the proposed inclusive operating model is structurally sound, economically viable, and represents a significant, sustainable competitive advantage that directly supports social equity goals within the Salvadoran tourism industry
Description
Keywords
Accessible Tourism, Sustainability, Deaf Community, Ecotourism, Service Design
Citation
Baiza De Paz, A. C., Pérez Martínez, G. L. (2025). Designing Accessible Tourism, a Strategic Business Profile of the Tour Operator Echo Journeys for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Travelers in El Salvador. [Licenciatura en Lenguas Modernas: Especialidad en Francés e Inglés. Universidad de El Salvador. Facultad de Ciencias y Humanidades.]