According to a study analyzing TikTok posts, plus-sized travelers “are and will be traveling,” and thus, the travel industry should adapt to cater to their requirements.
Research conducted by scholars from Newcastle University and the University of Essex indicates that even though the travel and tourism sector claims to enhance equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), it continues to overlook necessary accommodations for larger travelers.
Upon examining TikTok videos and comments tagged with #plussizetravel, it has been demonstrated that plus-sized travelers still encounter exclusion, even though they aspire to participate in the usual activities enjoyed by thinner tourists.
Their research also highlights how the plus-size community is reshaping conventional perceptions of what a tourist’s body should look like—typically depicted as slender, white, and conventionally attractive.
Writing
in the
Journal of Sustainable Tourism
Dr. Weizheng Zhang from Newcastle University Business School and Dr. Whitney Vernes Smith from the Edge Hotel School at the University of Essex investigate how disparities impede the acceptance of non-traditional and unconventional body shapes.
They show that larger travelers are utilizing social media to pressure the industry into taking responsibility and making changes.
They likewise emphasize the financial benefit of acknowledging that body shapes are evolving.
Dr. Weizheng Zhang, a lecturer in marketing at the Newcastle University Business School, commented, “According to the latest 2016-2017 report on the UK plus-size market, approximately 63% of individuals are classified as overweight. Additionally, over 73% of adults in the U.S. fall into this category.”
The sector must advance in developing size-inclusive rules and guidelines if it aims to foster a more inclusive atmosphere and capitalize on substantial economic and business prospects.
Dr. Vernes Smith stated, “This is truly an activist movement. Larger-sized travelers are taking charge to portray themselves as they wish to be viewed, rather than being perceived by the travel and tourism sector as a complication.”
They utilize TikTok to demonstrate that they participate in common tourist activities such as enjoying local food and sightseeing at popular locations. However, they also employ the platform to highlight persistent structural obstacles to inclusivity.
Throughout their postings and remarks, an undercurrent of rebellion can be detected. As they express themselves, “we have the capability and determination to journey,” so what’s stopping them? Traveling ought to be available to everyone.
Even with advancements in representing LGBTQ communities, the study suggests that the travel and tourism sector primarily addresses evident accessibility concerns such as accommodating wheelchair users or visually impaired individuals. The researchers urge industry executives to acknowledge that larger-sized travelers also require specific accommodations.
Travelers frequently encounter obstacles and are usually advised to modify their behavior. However, items like airplane lavatories, amusement park attractions, and deck chairs are utilized by everyone,” noted Dr. Vernes Smith. “Shouldn’t we also examine why aircraft seating and hotel linens are available only in specific dimensions?
More information:
Whitney Estanita Vernes et al., Individuals of larger sizes also engage in travel and leisure activities: promoting body positivity in these areas.
Journal of Sustainable Tourism
(2025).
DOI: 10.1080/09669582.2025.2490671
Provided by Newcastle University
This tale was initially released on
. Subscribe to our
newsletter
For the most recent updates on science and technology news.
Leave a Reply