Inclusive Agritourism and Visual Impairment through Participatory Action Research: Designing Sensorial Experiences in Rural Farms, Estates, and Agricultural Settings

Abstract

This exploratory qualitative study was conducted within the framework of the research project “Sensorial Agritourism at the UTB Integrated Farm” and the outreach initiative “Enjoying Tourism through the Eyes of the Soul”, in Los Ríos Province, Ecuador. The research was carried out between April 2022 and February 2023 using a Participatory Action Research (PAR) methodology, with the active involvement of individuals with and without visual impairments. The objective was to design inclusive sensorial agritourism experiences for people with visual disabilities, considering the productive, cultural, and environmental features of rural farms, ranches, and estates. The most significant outcomes were: (1) the development of an inventory instrument for identifying agricultural and livestock products with touristic potential, based on a sensory appreciation of the landscape; and (2) the creation of a methodological proposal for designing inclusive agritourism activities based on sensory stimulation—specifically smell, touch, taste, and hearing—in agricultural environments. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating sensory accessibility and active participation into the planning of rural tourism experiences, in alignment with the principles of universal design and tourism for all. It also highlights the need for innovative approaches that allow people with visual impairments to enjoy tourism without physical or symbolic barriers. This work provides a replicable methodological contribution for other rural contexts and offers empirical foundations for the development of public policies that promote the inclusion of groups historically excluded from conventional tourism. It contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals related to equal opportunity, accessibility, and the reduction of territorial inequalities.