Mediterranean Tourism Plays Pivotal Role in Global Economy

Strategic Insights -

New research from the University of South Africa highlights the significant impact of tourism on the global economy, particularly in the context of the Mediterranean region. According to the study, tourism contributes substantially to gross domestic product (GDP) and employment globally. The research also explores the increasing importance of accessible tourism programs that aim to reduce barriers and enable persons with disabilities (PWD) to participate in leisure activities.

Key Takeaways:

  • Research reveals that tourism plays a crucial role in the global economy, significantly contributing to GDP and employment.
  • The study highlights the resilience of the tourism industry, which quickly rebounded after the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Accessible tourism programs are becoming increasingly important, aiming to reduce barriers and enable PWD to participate in leisure activities.
  • The research identifies available literature on accessible and inclusive tourism for persons with hidden disabilities (PwHD) to determine processes put in place by the tourism industry to manage PwHD.
  • The study concludes that the tourism industry and barriers related to travel for PwHD need to be synthesized.

Specifically, the research mentions the University of South Africa's Department of Operations Management, led by Cheryl L. Rielander, as a key contributor to the study.

Statistics:

  • Tourism contributes substantially to GDP globally.
  • The tourism industry quickly rebounded after the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Accessible tourism programs are becoming increasingly important, aiming to reduce barriers and enable PWD to participate in leisure activities.
  • The research identifies 13 relevant literature studies on hidden/invisible disabilities using Google Scholar and an academic university's database.

Sources:

  • "Accessible and Inclusive Tourism for Persons with Hidden Disabilities: A Systematic Literature Review" (Journal of Tourism, Sustainability and Well-being, 2025, 13(3): 189-205)
  • Research Centre for Tourism, Sustainability and Well-being (CinTurs)
  • NewsRx. New Tourism Findings from University of South Africa Published (Accessible and Inclusive Tourism for Persons with Hidden Disabilities: A Systematic Literature Review). Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA. November 2, 2025; p 659.