VNAT’s Vice Chairman Ha Van Sieu attending the 60th Meeting of ASEAN National Tourism Organisations (Photo: TITC)

The Meeting focused on reports of (1) the ASEAN Tourism Competitiveness Committee (ATCC), (2) ASEAN Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism Development Committee (ASITDC), (3) ASEAN Tourism Professional Monitoring Committee (ATPMC), and (4) ASEAN Tourism Resourcing, Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (ATRMEC). Along with that, the Meeting updated the latest results of preparations for building the ASEAN Tourism Strategy Plan (ATSP) Post-2025.

Vietnamese delegation attending the Meeting (online) (Photo: TITC)

Giving the welcoming remarks, H.E Dr. Thet Thet Khine, Union Minister of Hotels and Tourism of Myanmar emphasised, the Meeting marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to foster collaboration and cooperation in the realm of tourism within the ASEAN region and beyond. She highly appreciated Heads of ASEAN NTOs, Delegates of ASEAN Member States and the ASEAN Secretariat for their active engagement and valuable contributions to these important meetings.

H.E Dr. Thet Thet Khine, Union Minister of Hotels and Tourism of Myanmar speaking at the Meeting (Photo: Screen shot)

Ms. Thet Thet Khine also noted the importance of tourism cooperation. The countries in ASEAN region need to work together to revitalise and strengthen the tourism industry in ASEAN, as well as in collaboration with the esteemed dialogue partners such as China, Japan, Korea, and India in order to not only contribute to the economic development of the ASEAN Region but also promote mutual understanding and regional connectivity on a global scale.

Regarding the tourist attraction solutions post the COVID-19, Ms. Thet Thet Khine said, through collaborative initiatives highlighted in ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan 2016-2025 and respective cooperation frameworks, such as joint promotion and marketing, sustainable tourism development, HR development, cultural exchanges, and shared heritage preservation, we can lay a foundation for enduring partnerships and long-standing prosperity within the ASEAN Region. Ms. Thet Thet Khine calls for the support of the ASEAN member states in the efforts in promoting ASEAN cruise tourism. By leveraging the collective strengths, nations can enhance the competitiveness and appeal of cruise tourism in the region, attract more cruise visitors, and promote sustainable growth and development in the ASEAN cruise sector; relax visas to create favourable conditions for travel within ASEAN, increase air connectivity, organise attractive events,...

Overview of the online Meeting (Photo: TITC)

H.E. Dato' Roslan Tan Sri Abdul Rahman, Secretary-General, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Malaysia declared, ASEAN is a treasure of cultural heritage, natural wonders, and unparalleled experiences. The ASEAN region must harness the power of collaboration to promote ASEAN as a safe and desirable destination. Strengthening regional cooperation in areas such as cross-border travel facilitation, sustainable tourism practices, and community empowerment will be crucial in the collective journey towards establishing ASEAN as a single tourism destination, and building a strong and sustainable tourism industry. To achieve this goal, countries need to promote open exchange of experiences, effective methods and innovative ideas.

At the Meeting, Vietnam, as the Chair of the 17th Meeting of the ASEAN Tourism Resourcing, Monitoring, and Evaluation Committee (ATRMEC) held on 7 March 2024 in Kuching, Malaysia, briefed the Meeting on the progress of the implementation of the ATSP 2016-2025 in the period 2023-2024 under the purview of the respective Committees as follows: (a) Monitoring the implementation of the ASEAN Tourism Strategy Plan 2016-2025 and the Post-COVID-19 Recovery Plan; (b) 05 projects using the ASEAN NTOs Fund 2024, including: (1) Support the ASEAN Secretariat in common activities; (2) Cruise Tourism Work Plan 2024; (3) Marketing activities for ASEAN in 2024; (4) Assessor and Trainer Training Program on the Mutual Recognition Arrangement for Tourism Professionals (MRA-TP) for the Event Professions; (5) ImaginASEAN tourism promotion project; (c) The ASEAN Secretariat proposes to organise an ASEAN Workshop on Project Proposal Development for the 2024 Committee Sessions. The workshop aimed to improve the understanding of ASEAN National Tourism Organisations officials about the main components of the ASEAN Cooperation Project, sources of financial support from dialogue partners, and how to access funds; and (d) The Philippines is implementing the project to build development of ATSP Post-2025.

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