Dementia-Inclusive Travel: Perspectives of Specialist Travel Service Providers

Anja Pabel , Maria O’Reilly, Pamela Meredith, Lee-Fay Low

Abstract

This paper explores the experiences and perspectives of travel experts who provide
services to people living with dementia and their care partners. The study aims to
identify the challenges and effective strategies for creating inclusive travel
opportunities in this context. The findings are based solely on the perspectives of
service providers and do not include direct input from individuals living with
dementia or their care partners. A qualitative research design was adopted,
involving in-depth interviews with six participants who possess extensive
experience in facilitating travel for individuals with dementia. Due to the small
number of operators in this niche, participants were selected based on relevant
experience in dementia-inclusive tourism. The interview questions explored
strategies used by the travel experts to support travellers with dementia, perceived
barriers and challenges, and recommendations for tourism operators developing
dementia-inclusive services. Data were analysed thematically to identify recurring
patterns and insights. Four major themes emerged: (1) enabling tourism services;
(2) logistics of enabling services; (3) fostering bonds and purpose; and (4) travel
as a key factor to living well. These findings highlight the importance of tailored
support and inclusive practices in creating positive travel experiences. This
research contributes to the growing body of literature on dementia-inclusive travel
by deepening understanding of how travel experiences can be made more
accessible, enjoyable, and supportive for people living with dementia and their
care partners. The insights can inform tourism, hospitality, healthcare
professionals, and host communities by deepening understanding of this growing
tourist segment and guiding more inclusive support and services.

Keywords: Dementia-inclusive tourism,
accessible travel, qualitative research,
tourism services, inclusivity, specialist
service providers
JEL Codes: Z32, J14, I12

Pabel, A., O’Reilly, M., Meredith, P., Fay
Low, L. (2026). Dementia-Inclusive Travel:
Perspectives of Specialist Travel Service
Providers. Health Tourism Journal, 2(1), 1-
24.
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21074606