ATF 2012 MANADO
With demand softening from Europe, ASEAN lures at Asia
MANADO, Indonesia (eTN) - The 15th meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers launched the ATF 2012 in Manado on January 12. This gave an opportunity for all the present ministers to express their satisfaction on further growth in total foreign arrivals. According to preliminary figures, foreign travelers to ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam) posted a healthy 7.4 percent growth, more than the world’s average. This translated into some 79 million foreign travelers to Southeast Asia in 2011.
The optimistic mood shown by ministers and heads of NTOs was, however, slightly damped by bleak economic perspectives from some of ASEAN's traditional markets such as the USA and particularly Europe. “European travelers are still important to us as they can represent up to 25 percent of all arrivals. We will then continue our marketing efforts to promote our countries, but it will be challenging. Impulsions to growth are unlikely to come from this part of the world,” acknowledged Mari Elka Pangestu, the newly-appointed Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy (previously Ministry of Culture and Tourism) and also chairwoman for the ongoing ASEAN Travel Forum. While expecting the demand to soften from Europe, ASEAN countries put their sight on the Asian continent. “Let’s remember that 43 percent of all foreign arrivals are Intra-ASEAN,” reminded Indonesia Vice President Prof. Dr. Boediono during the opening ceremony.
To Mari Elka Pangestu, intra-ASEAN travels will continue to grow as all the countries are enhancing connectivity within the region. Ministries welcomed the entry into force of the ASEAN Multilateral Agreement on the Full Liberalization of Passenger Air Services (MAFLPAS). The agreement gives to any airlines of a Member State total freedom in traffic rights for routes between two ASEAN points. Total visa exemption for all ASEAN members is almost a reality except for a few exceptions such as Myanmar. However, Myanmar’s new path to democracy will certainly bring a sort of normality with other ASEAN countries.
ASEAN Ministers continue to pin their hope into the region’s two economic giants, China and India. Indonesia Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Mari Elka Pangestu, the signature of an open-sky agreement with China paves the way to the conclusion of a similar agreement with India, currently under negotiation. ASEAN recently established the ASEAN-China Center in Beijing to promote its member countries, as well as an ASEAN Promotional Chapter in Mumbai. Both will play an important part to further grow arrivals from both countries.
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