Reporters: Dr. Jaray Suwannachart, Asst.Prof.Dr. Tachaya Sangkakool, Asst.Prof.Surawat Moogem, Tussawan Thong-on, Natrada Boonthad and Natpakal Poolperm
Evidence Date: April 23, 2024
Related SDGs:
Related Indicators: 11.2.1
Details: Supporting details and pictures
The Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) – Songkhla Lake Basin Office, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and multiple local partners, launched a joint initiative to develop accessible tourism in Songkhla Old Town under the theme “Songkhla Tourism for All.”
The project aims to identify, improve, and enhance public spaces and tourism areas in Songkhla to ensure universal accessibility for all people, including the elderly, people with disabilities, and tourists from diverse backgrounds.
The event was organized by the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA), Songkhla Lake Basin Office, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and a network of regional partners. Local collaborators included the Songkhla Provincial Administrative Organization, Songkhla City Municipality, the Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage, the Songkhla Heritage Lovers Network, and Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS).
Two pilot zones were selected for this initiative:
- Songkhla Old Town Area, focusing on heritage routes, public walkways, and cultural landmarks.
- Songkhla Beachfront Area, emphasizing inclusive recreational and tourism-friendly public spaces.
The meeting, held at the Red Mill (Rong Si Daeng) on Nakhon Nok Road, served as a collaborative platform to discuss urban accessibility assessments, design improvement strategies, and community engagement frameworks that align with international standards for inclusive tourism and urban design.
The “Songkhla Tourism for All” initiative exemplifies the power of partnership-driven sustainable tourism development. Through collaboration among UNDP, DASTA, RUTS, and local agencies, the project enhances public accessibility, inclusivity, and cultural sustainability in Songkhla. It represents a key step toward positioning Songkhla as a model of an inclusive, creative, and sustainable heritage city, aligned with Sustainable Cities and Communities and Partnerships for the Goals.
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