Asean tourism ministers declare regional strategies at Myanmar forum

Southeast Asian tourism ministers have declared their regional strategies at the Asean Tourism Forum (ATF) being held in the Myanmar capital.
This is the first time the ATF has been held in Myanmar. It is being attended by 300 buyers and 905 sellers as well as media from 67 countries.
Htay Aung, Myanmar’s minister of hotels and tourism and chairman of the event, said he and his counterparts would endorse the final agreement of the establishment of a regional secretariat for the Asean Mutual Recognition Arrangement on tourism professionals. It will be responsible for certification of 6,000 professionals based on the Asean Common Competency Standard for Tourism Professionals.
The region last year provided training for many jobs in Thailand such as housekeeping, food and beverage services, food production, and hotel front-office duties.
The ministers also announced plans to enhance competitiveness for the region, by promoting Asean as a single tourist destination through the development and adoption of international standards. Among the focuses will be green hotels, spas, home stays, clean toilets, and community-based services. Moreover, the region has launched guidelines to ensure the safety and security of travellers.
Htay Aung said all member countries would market the region through new media to encourage visitors from outside Asean. Meanwhile, intra-regional travellers will continue to be the main focus.
“One of the important measures to drive tourism is the need for a single regional visa,” he said.
Malaysia proposed developing an Asean-focused television channel, GOAsean, to promote the region as a single market, featuring key areas such as community-based tourism, culture, heritage, fun and business.
Asean’s bilateral agreements with China and South Korea are also expected to boost the number of visitors to this region.
This year, ministers also recommended enhancing air connectivity through the implementation of open-sky agreements and engagements with dialogue partners including China, Europe, Japan and South Korea.
Last year, Asean received 97.2 million arrivals, posting growth of 3 per cent from 2013. Intra-regional travellers accounted for 53 per cent of total arrivals.