Improving the Travel Experience of Tourists with Physical Disabilities Through Smart Technologies and Ergonomic Assistive Devices

Abstract

This article examines how smart technologies and ergonomic assistive devices can improve the travel experience of tourists with physical disabilities. It treats accessibility as the reliable completion of a journey rather than the presence of isolated features. A structured integrative review of twelve peer-reviewed studies published from 2023 to 2026 was undertaken across accessible tourism, human-computer interaction, rehabilitation technology and ergonomics. The evidence indicates that verified accessibility information, personalized route planning, geospatial guidance, adaptive mobility controls, pressure-management systems and accessible digital interfaces can strengthen autonomy, safety and comfort. Their value, however, depends on person-environment fit, co-design, staff readiness, maintenance, privacy and a non-digital fallback. The article proposes a travel-stage matrix and a smart-ergonomic experience cycle for evaluating solutions from pre-trip planning to post-trip improvement. The framework shifts attention from technology ownership to task performance, user effort, dignity and participation.