INCLUSIVE SAFETY: HOW INNOVATION ENSURES ACCESSIBILITY AND SAFETY OF RECREATIONAL SERVICES

Abstract

Relevance of the study is determined by the growing need to create an inclusive environment in the tourism sector that aligns with the principles of social equity, accessibility, and safety. In the current context, where the concept of sustainable development is becoming a priority for the tourism industry, inclusive safety is gaining particular importance as a systemic approach to ensuring comfort and protection for all categories of tourists, including persons with disabilities, elderly people, families with young children, and individuals with mental or sensory impairments. The subject of the study is innovative solutions that ensure inclusive safety in the field of recreational tourism. The aim of this work is to identify and systematize tools that contribute to the formation of an accessible and safe tourism environment for people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. The methodology of the research is based on the analysis of academic literature, comparative analysis of international experience, and the study of best practices implemented in the countries of the European Union and Ukraine. As a result of the study, the main types of innovations were identified – architectural-infrastructural, digital, tactile, audiovisual, mobile, and service-based – which enhance the accessibility of recreational areas. Specific examples of inclusive infrastructure implementation in Spain, Germany, Croatia, Sweden, Italy, and Ukraine were analyzed. Practical solutions that can be scaled and adapted to Ukrainian realities have been generalized. The scope of application of the results includes the tourism industry, local governments, recreational planning, and urban development projects with an orientation towards inclusivity. The proposed recommendations can be used in the development of national and regional strategies for accessible tourism. The conclusions justify the need for the integration of innovations as one of the key mechanisms for achieving inclusivity in tourism. Innovative approaches help improve quality of life, attract new target audiences to recreational spaces, and contribute to the creation of a safe and inclusive environment for all.