DESIGNING INCLUSIVE DESTINATIONS: UNIVERSAL DESIGN APPLICATIONS IN THAI TOURISM MANAGEMENT

การออกแบบแหล่งท่องเที่ยวที่ครอบคลุม: การประยุกต์ใช้แนวคิดการออกแบบเพื่อทุกคน (Universal Design) ในการจัดการการท่องเที่ยวไทย

บทคัดย่อ

This academic article aims to explain and synthesize approaches to designing inclusive tourism destinations through the application of Universal Design in order to enhance inclusive tourism within the Thai context, under the scenario in which tourism serves as a key driver of economic and social development. However, a significant knowledge gap remains, namely the lack of a systematic analytical approach to integrating Universal Design into tourism destination management, particularly in cultural and natural attractions that face structural and conservation constraints. The study employs an integrative literature review and comparative synthesis to highlight the importance of accessibility for all population groups, while also reflecting key challenges in Thailand, such as accessibility gaps, inconsistencies in design standards, and the lack of clear and verifiable accessibility information. The synthesis indicates that achieving inclusive tourism requires a whole-system approach encompassing physical infrastructure, service and digital design, standards governance and evaluation, capacity building of personnel, clear communication of accessibility information, and the participation of communities and stakeholders. Furthermore, the findings suggest that integrating Universal Design into tourism destination management in Thailand necessitates policy coordination among tourism, transport, and urban development agencies to enable the practical advancement of inclusive tourism. Policy recommendations include measurable accessibility standards, cross-sector collaboration, capacity development, and open data platforms, which remain insufficiently connected in existing Thai tourism scholarship. This approach provides direction for future tourism management in Thailand, defines the value of tourism destinations, and supports the development of destinations that are accessible to all groups.