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The Department of Tourism (DOT) says it is setting up new standards to improve the accessibility of services for the elderly and people with disabilities under its Tourism for All project
Anan Wongbenjarat, director general of the DOT, under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, said the agency is launching the Tourism for All project in designated tourism development areas to improve accessibility as well as tourism services and products to serve the elderly and people with disabilities.
“Better accessibility will make it easier for the elderly and people with disability to travel and to use their potential to contribute to society,” said Anan.
There are about 1.9 million people with disabilities in Thailand, or 2.9 per cent of the population. Meanwhile the number of the elderly is constantly on the rise. “At present, there are about 8.5 million elderly people in the country or about 13.2 per cent of the population.
The elderly will make up nearly one-quarter of the total population within the next 15 to 20 years.”
The DOT is working the Universal Design Research Unit of Chulalongkorn University to organise workshops on “Accessibility Services for People with Disabilities and the Elderly” in Nonthaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan provinces for tourism operators, service providers, and other tourism personnel. 

4.0 TO BOOST VISITORS

The tourism industry is expected to get a strong boost from the government’s policies for Thailand 4.0 and Eastern Economic Corridor that include expansion plans for airports and other major projects, according to Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB).
The EEC, which covers Chon Buri, Rayong and Chachoengsao provinces, is expected to draw more than Bt1.5 trillion in government and private sector investments during the first five years.
Speaking at the “Eastern Economic Corridor: Fast track to Thailand 4.0” seminar, TCEB director Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayutthaya said: ”Throughout the course of Thailand 4.0, there are so many opportunities for the convention and tourism industry as well as the exposition industry to play an important role.”