Cultural Heritage Across Borders: Inclusive Tourism and barrier-Free Design in the Greater Mekong Sub-Region

TITLE	Cultural Heritage Across Borders: Inclusive Tourism and barrier-Free Design in the Greater Mekong Sub-Region
AUTHOR	Budsakayt INTARAPASAN
YEAR	2009
TYPE OF THESIS	PhD
DISCIPLINE	Architecture Heritage Management & Tourism
URL	http://www.thapra.lib.su.ac.th/objects/thesis/fulltext/thapra/ Budsakayt_Intarapasan_Doctor/fulltext.pdf
ACCESS DATE	14 Dec 2012
FULL PAPER	FOUND
INSTITUTION	Silpakorn University
KEYWORDS	Greater Mekong Sub-Region, Cultural heritage, Cross Borders, Inclusive Tourism, Barrier-Free Design, People with Disability
ABSTRACT	This paper will using regional the Greater Mekong Sub-Region case studies, highlight gaps in current regional heritage practices in respect of : heritage and development of heritage trails, revenue, the anchoring of tourist revenue, and development of the public consciousness of history. This paper describes cultural heritage tourism, according to the travelling to experience places and activities that authentically represent stories and people of the past and present. Inclusive Tourism is a global movement to ensure full social participation of all people with disabilities in travel, citizenships and cultural contribution and in the process, to assure the same for everyone else, writes Dr. Scott Rains. The discussion issues related accessible tourism to cultural heritage places to identify existing barriers as well as assessment and solutions approach to promote cultural-heritage-inclusive tourism and barrier free design. More important access increases the potential to enable people with disabilities to take part in almost any area of life, and to be aware of the impact and business opportunities that accessible tourism introduces. The forthcoming process of demographic ageing will lead to a growing number of tourists with needs for more accessibility and higher service quality also in tourism. The result of this study will provide guidelines on better practices of community engagement, community participation and community resource development in respect of the culturally appropriate management of heritage. In conclusion, good design improves accessibility for all users who may benefit from tourism services without discriminating factors. To ensure balanced recognition of the users’ interest, conservation planning is deemed necessary to eliminate disabled access. Access for all heritage areas is provided equally to all types of user who want to enjoy and appreciate leisure in a friendly environment depicting distinctive traditions. Universal design which offers equal accessibility to all types of user aims to upgrade heritage places and raise awareness on the significance and value of cultural heritage as well as inclusive travel and leisure holidays at an international level.