DESIGNING INCLUSIVE DESTINATIONS: UNIVERSAL DESIGN APPLICATIONS IN THAI TOURISM MANAGEMENT

การออกแบบแหล่งท่องเที่ยวที่ครอบคลุม: การประยุกต์ใช้แนวคิดการออกแบบเพื่อทุกคน (Universal Design) ในการจัดการการท่องเที่ยวไทย

Abstract

This article explains and synthesizes approaches to designing inclusive destinations by applying the concept of Universal Design to enhance inclusive tourism in the Thai context, where tourism functions as a key economic and social driver. It begins by underscoring the importance of accessibility for all population groups including older adults, persons with disabilities, children, pregnant women, and the general traveling public, using Universal Design principles as the analytical framework. An integrative literature review and comparative synthesis were then employed. The findings indicate that achieving inclusive tourism requires system-wide action encompassing physical infrastructure, service and digital design, enforceable standards and evaluation, workforce development, clear multi-format accessibility information, and meaningful community and stakeholder participation.

Policy and managerial recommendations include establishing measurable accessibility standards with continuous monitoring, fostering cross-sector collaboration, upgrading service competencies for supporting travelers with specific needs, developing open accessibility information platforms, and using economic incentives to accelerate adaptive investments. In practice, the proposed framework serves as a roadmap for developing destinations that are genuinely accessible to all.