The twelfth meeting of ASEAN tourism ministers took place in conjunction with the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2009 (ATF09) in Hanoi, Vietnam. The meeting was chaired by H.E. Mr. Tran Chien Thang (Vietnam Vice Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports) and co-chaired by H.E. Pehin Dato Yahya, Minister of Industry and Primary Resources, Brunei Darussalam.
Despite of challenges posed by the global financial crisis in 2008 and political situations in some ASEAN member states, the total international visitor arrivals in the region in 2008 was still in positive growth with more than 58 million arrivals, 7 percent higher than last year. The ministers, anticipating the global economic slowdown in 2009, agreed to focus on intra-ASEAN travel. They tasked the ASEAN tourism officials to work closely with the private sector to work out a tactical program which offers cost-effective tour packages for intra-ASEAN travelers and other key markets of ASEAN. The ministers reiterated their keen interest in promoting youth travel, which shall be a key segment target for 2009-2010.
They were pleased with the progress of the implementation of the Roadmap for Integration of the Tourism Sector with more than 90 percent of tourism-specific measures having been completed. Also they reaffirmed their commitment to accelerate the integration process and endorsed the initiative of the ASEAN NTOs (National Tourism Organizations) to formulate the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan 2011-2015 as the successor of RITS to further integrate the tourism sector towards the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015 and to encourage joint tourism integration and promotion as well as travel facilitation and connectivity within the region. As Thailand will be hosting the 14th ASEAN Summit in Februar 2009, the ministers requested the Minister of Tourism and Sports of Thailand to convey these commitments to the ASEAN leaders.
The ministers also welcomed the concrete collaboration between the ASEAN National Tourism Organizations (NTOs) and the Senior Transport Officials Meeting (STOM) in facilitating land and sea travel in the region. They noted the closer integration of land links through initiatives such as facilitation of cross-border land travel by tourist buses and the development of common ASEAN tourism road signage. Also, they noted the establishment of regular consultations between the officials of cruise tourism and maritime transport working groups, as well as the involvement of Asia Cruise Association in the development of the cruise industry in ASEAN.
They also welcomed the conclusion of the ASEAN Multilateral Agreement on Air Service that will create the competitive space for greater expansion and opportunities for air travel within the ASEAN region, in terms of more destinations, increased capacities and lower fares. In light of the focus on intra-travel within ASEAN for 2009 and 2010 the ministers proposed to the transport ministers to expeditiously implement the agreement and its protocols.
Human Resource in Tourism
The ministers are unanimous in adopting a Mutual Recognition Agreement that will increase the equality of tourism human resources and facilitate the mobility of professionals in tourism within the region. They tasked the ASEAN NTOs to prepare and establish the MRA follow-up requirements including the capacity development for members of related organizations under MRA at the regional and national level. They also agreed to develop learning resources and supporting materials to support the delivery of assessment and training in the workplace and educational institutions.
The Ministers welcomed the formation of Southeast Asia Tourist Guides Association (SEATGA) that would further enhance the capacity and competency, as well as promote and protect interests of tourist guides in the region.
The meeting was attended by all ASEAN member states:
From Brunei: H.E. Pehin Dato Yahya, Minister of Industry and Primary Resources
Cambodia: H.E. Dr. Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism
Indonesia: H.E. Mr. Jero Wacik, Minister of Culture and Tourism
Lao PDR: H.E. Mr. Somphong Mongkhonvilay, Chairman of the National Tourism Administration
Malaysia: H.E. Dato’Sri Azalina Dato’Othman Said, Minister of Tourism
Myanmar: H.E. Brig.Gen. Aye Myint Kyu, Deputy Minister of Hotels and Tourism
Philippines: H.E. Oscar P. Palabyab, Undersecretary of Tourism
Singapore: H.E. Mr. S. Iswaran, Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry
Thailand: H.E. Mr. Chumpol Silapa-archa, Minister of Tourism and Sports
Vietnam: H.E. :Mr. Tran Chien Thang, Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism
And the Secretary-General of ASEAN, H.E. Dr. Surin Pitsuwan
Joachim Fischer, currently in Hanoi, Vietnam
