Innovation of Tourism management at Temples on Universal Design (UD) in Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

This research aimed to study the innovation of tourism management at temples on the Universal Design in Chiang Mai Province. The research is qualitative. The research areas were ten temples in Chiang Mai included Phra That Doi Suthep temple, Phra Singha temple, Chediluang temple, Chet Yod temple, Suandok temple, Phalad temple, Chedilam temple, Changkham temple, Intrawas temple, and Densari Muangkaen temple. The sample groups were thirty-one representatives of the elders, the disabled, monks and novices, Thai tourists, the community, and the related organization. The research tools are the interview form, the survey form, and the focus group discussion.  The qualitative data are analyzed by the content analysis and write a descriptive presentation.

The results found that the innovations of tourism management in temples on the Universal Design are a handbook of tourism management at auspicious name temples (Wat Nam Mongkol) on the Universal Design in Chiang Mai province and seventeen items of universal design’s symbols as follow: (1) Ramp (2) Up-and-down handrails (3) Parking lot (4) Braille block walkway (sidewalk for the visually impaired) (5) Lift, (6) Broadcasting items (7) Sufficient lighting/Clean places (8) Communication notice/QR Code (9) Wheelchair service cars (10) Walking sticks (11) Sign-boards (12) Restrooms, (13) Crossing road/ Traffic lights (14) Guide- lights (15) Resting point for the disabled (16) Anti-slip floors/anti-feet hot (17) Place to light candles and incense to respect to the holy objects.