PhD Studentship: Family Tourism in Liverpool – Accessible Family Spaces and Routes University of Liverpool in United Kingdom

This funded PhD studentship at the University of Liverpool offers an exciting opportunity to research family tourism and urban accessibility in Liverpool. The project will analyse the needs and priorities of family tourism, identifying and mapping key tourist corridors and developing an open, user-friendly GIS-based tool that leverages machine learning to quantify street-level accessibility for prams, pushchairs, and other mobility needs. The research will evaluate access to family-oriented spaces and popular points of interest, generating evidence-based insights for policymakers to improve planning, promotion, and accessibility of family-friendly tourism in the city.

Accessible urban environments are essential for inclusive, sustainable, and family-friendly tourism. For families with young children, especially those navigating cities with prams, the accessibility, safety, and comfort of public spaces and facilities are crucial. Liverpool City Region, with approximately 60 million visitors in 2023 and a tourism value of £6.25 billion, seeks to enhance its reputation as an inclusive destination. This project, in partnership with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, will provide an evidence-based framework to guide inclusive infrastructure and visitor experience decisions.

The research will examine spatial and temporal accessibility, identifying barriers and opportunities across key tourist corridors and points of interest. Grounded in inclusive urbanism and social sustainability, the project conceptualises accessibility as both a spatial and social equity issue. By integrating geospatial analysis, on-the-ground observations, and stakeholder engagement, the project will map barriers and enablers of family mobility and provide actionable recommendations for planners, tourism operators, and policymakers. The GIS-based tool will enable scenario testing of improvements to pedestrian pathways, wayfinding, and family-friendly amenities, ensuring urban spaces meet practical needs and enhance visitor experience.

This project aligns with the Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership's Destination Management Plan 2025-2030, prioritising inclusive growth, accessibility, and improved visitor experiences. The research aims to position Liverpool as a benchmark for inclusive, family-friendly tourism, aligning destination management and urban design with social equity, economic growth, and sustainable development objectives. Expected outcomes include a validated Family Accessibility Index and a GIS-based policy tool to support inclusive tourism planning, with findings informing policy recommendations for the region and offering a replicable framework for other cities.

The studentship is funded by the North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP), covering full tuition fees and a maintenance grant for 3.5 years at UKRI standard rates. Additional funding is available for research training, consumables, and conference attendance. The University of Liverpool is committed to diversity and inclusion, supporting students with caring responsibilities, disabilities, or other personal circumstances. Applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

For queries, contact Dr Olga Gkountouna at [email protected] (include “SOES004” in the subject). The application deadline is 17 April 2026 or earlier if a suitable candidate is identified. Apply online via the University of Liverpool application portal, selecting the appropriate programme and including the project title and reference number.