ASEAN tourism: Joint statement by ASEAN Tourism Ministers plus China, Japan, S.Korea

ASEAN continues to remain as an attractive destination for both regional and international tourists; recording an increase of 14.51% and 9.9% arrivals respectively over 2012. In 2013, 90.2 million tourists visited ASEAN, reflecting a 12% increase as compared to 2012.

This was the statement made today by YB Dato’ Seri Mohammed Nazri Abdul Aziz, Minister of Tourism and Culture, Malaysia, at the conclusion of the Meeting of the ASEAN Tourism Ministers + China, Japan and Korea at the ASEAN Tourism Forum in Kuching, Sarawak.

This is the full joint media statement:

1. During the Seventeenth Meeting of the ASEAN Tourism Ministers on January 19, 2014 in Kuching, Sarawak, in conjunction with the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2014 (ATF 2014), we are pleased to confirm that ASEAN continues to remain as an attractive destination for both regional and international tourists; recording an increase of 14.51% and 9.9% arrivals respectively over 2012. In 2013, 90.2 million tourists visited ASEAN, reflecting a 12% increase as compared to 2012.

2. We welcome the good progress to-date in implementing the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan (ATSP) 2011-2015, and are pleased to announce that 75% of the measures for 2013 have been duly completed. We will continue to monitor the completion of the remaining measures to support the timely realisation of the ASEAN Economic Community by 2015.

FACILITATION OF TOURISM PROFESSIONALS MOBILITY

3. The Ministers commended the progress made in facilitating the free flow of services and skilled labour within ASEAN through the implementation of the ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) on tourism professionals. The completion of 144 toolboxes for hotel divisions, and the ASEAN Tourism Qualifications Equivalent Matrix will serve as key references for the tourism industry and training institutions in delivering the programme under the Mutual Recognition Arrangement on tourism professionals.

4. In moving forward, we welcome the new training projects and activities undertaken in 2014 including development of the ASEAN Tourism Professional Registration System, Toolbox Development for Travel Agencies and Tour Operators, training of ASEAN Master Trainers and Master Assessors for Front Office, Food and Beverage Services and the pilot project for housekeeping under the MRA.

5. The Ministers adopted the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the establishment of a Regional Secretariat to facilitate the implementation of the MRA for Tourism Professionals in Indonesia in 2015. They also acknowledged the contribution of the Government of Australia and its continued support to ASEAN in establishing related infrastructures through the ASEAN-Australia Development Cooperation Programme (AADCP).

WORLD CLASS TOURISM QUALITY

6. We welcome the progress made in developing comprehensive tourism standards for green hotel, homestay, spa services, public toilets, clean tourist cities and community-based tourism, and the certification process to enhance the quality of human resources, services and facilities in the region. Our officials will continue to initiate capacity building to meet the stipulated standards and facilitate their full implementation by 2015.

7. We recognise the successful outcome of the ASEAN Climate Change and Tourism Measures and Parameters Development Workshop held in April 2013 in Davao City, the Philippines, resulting in the completion of the Framework, Approaches, Parameters and Measures for Climate Change and Tourism in ASEAN.

8. The Ministers also expressed their sympathy to the Government and People of the Philippines in the aftermath of the earthquake and typhoon Haiyan that hit the country in the last quarter of 2013. We acknowledge the swift action and measures undertaken by the Philippines Government to bring back normalcy and commencement of the rehabilitation process. Towards this end, the Ministers endorsed the implementation of the ASEAN Tourism Framework in responding to climate change to ensure the sustainable development of tourism in the region.

9. The Ministers adopted the ASEAN Joint Declaration on the Implementation of the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism in recognition of the important role and contribution the tourism sector has made to the economic and social development in the region, namely in improving the overall quality of the lives of the people. Among others, the Ministers agreed to consider UNWTO’s Global Code of Ethics for Tourism as a possible means to sustainable and responsible tourism development.

PROMOTING ASEAN TOURISM

10. We applaud the progress made with ASEAN partners in jointly promoting and marketing ASEAN tourism activities, amongst others, social media marketing of ASEAN tourism on Sinaweibo website to tap the Chinese market. The Ministers also expressed their appreciation to the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and Travel Channel for PATA Love Campaign which will promote ASEAN tourism destinations and tourism products through ASEAN Member States. The Ministers also noted that the ASEAN Tourism website has been further enhanced to promote multi-country packages.

11. The Ministers were pleased with the activities undertaken by the ASEAN Promotional Chapters for Tourism (APCT) in both Sydney and Mumbai in 2013 to promote ASEAN tourism through major tourism consumer shows, networking functions and print campaigns. To capitalise on the region’s tourism potentials, the Ministers welcomed the result of the studies on ASEAN Business Travel Marketing Strategy; Framework of the Development of Strategies for Adventure Market; and Small Regular Passenger Exit Survey (PES) on ASEAN Brand Awareness.

12. The Ministers noted the recommendations made at the ASEAN Workshop on Crisis Management and Communication held in February 2013 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, including initiating dialogue with international tourism organisations on the standardisation of the Tourism Crisis Manual and Standard Operating Procedures.

13. Moving ahead, the Ministers agreed to focus on promotional activities on experiential and creative tourism in ASEAN in 2014 based on themes of “Tastes of Southeast Asia” and “Experience Diverse Traditions and Ways of Life,” respectively.

ASEAN TOURISM PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

14. The Ministers expressed their appreciation to Malaysia for its support in completing the publication of The Magical Gardens of ASEAN, to promote ASEAN Parks & Gardens and take note of the progress made in developing the ASEAN Ecotourism Strategic Plan which serves as an effective tool in promoting sustainable economic development through the conservation of nature based tourism in the region.

15. We are pleased with the progress made in the implementation of the ASEAN Cruise Work Plan 2013, especially in showcasing ASEAN ports and attractions. Our officials will continue to work with relevant ASEAN bodies to address any challenges in developing the cruise industry in the region.

16. We appreciate UNWTO’s technical assistance to promote river-based tourism in ASEAN, including the identification of river-based tourism corridors, circuits and clusters.

ENHANCING CONNECTIVITY

17. The Ministers commended the enhancement of ASEAN Air Connectivity through the implementation of the ASEAN Open Skies agreement as well as the progress in engaging ASEAN Dialogue Partners in air services negotiation, including China, the European Union, Japan and the Republic of Korea. The recent conclusion of the Protocol 2 on the Exchange of 5th Freedom Air Traffic Rights between ASEAN Member States and China under the ASEAN-China Air Transport Agreement will help to further enhance business and leisure travel connectivity within and into the region.

18. As a follow-up to the Regional Workshop on ASEAN Common Visa held in October 2013 in Jakarta, Indonesia, our officials will continue to work closely with relevant agencies to facilitate the development of the ASEAN Common Visa for non-ASEAN nationals and its possible implications on the tourism sector.

PROMOTING ASEAN TOURISM IN MAJOR MARKETS

19. The Ministers expressed their appreciation to the ASEAN-China Centre, ASEAN-Japan Centre and ASEAN-Korea Centre for their relentless support in further developing and promoting ASEAN tourism to the Chinese, Japanese and Korean markets.

20. We are pleased with the progress made in the ASEAN-Russia collaboration including the implementation of the Russian Language Course for ASEAN Tour Operators, tourism safety and security activities.

THIRTEENTH MEETING OF ASEAN PLUS THREE (APT)

21. During the Thirteenth Meeting of the ASEAN Plus Three (China, Japan and the Republic of Korea) Tourism Ministers, the Ministers were pleased with international visitor arrivals of 230 million to the ASEAN Plus Three region which is a 4% increase over 2012. Noting the strong potential of intra-regional arrivals, the Ministers agreed to further strengthen joint tourism promotion collaboration in line with the APT Tourism Cooperation Work Plan 2013-2017. This Work Plan encompasses quality tourism, skills development, joint tourism marketing and promotion, cruise tourism and tourism crisis communications through the establishment of e-Tourism Working Group.

22. The Ministers welcomed outcomes of the 11th East Asia Forum held in August 2013 in Kyoto, Japan, under the theme, Enhancing People-to-People Connectivity: Focusing on Tourism Cooperation, which discussed cooperation on tourism resources, promotion of intra-regional tourism and tourism facilitation. Noting the importance of aviation collaboration between ASEAN and China, Japan and the Republic of Korea, particularly the recent conclusion of negotiations on the exchange of 5th Freedom Air Traffic Rights between ASEAN Member States and China; and Japan’s initiative to conclude regional air services agreement with ASEAN; and discussions between ASEAN and Republic of Korea to establish the ASEAN-Republic of Korea Air Transport Agreement.

23. Recognising the significant role played by the ASEAN-China Centre, ASEAN-Japan Centre and ASEAN-Republic of Korea Centre in promoting, among others, tourism and cultural exchanges between ASEAN and the Plus Three countries, the Ministers welcomed the suggestion for the Centers to exchanges ideas and experiences in order to consolidate cooperative projects.

24. The ASEAN Tourism Ministers expressed appreciation to China for the provision of complimentary booths during the China International Travel Mart (CITM) 2013, and the development of ASEAN Tourism documentaries, Taste Southeast Asia and Discovery Southeast Asia aired on CCTV.

25. The ASEAN Tourism Ministers extended their appreciation to Japan for the support in the implementation of various ASEAN-Japan tourism projects and activities in 2013 for human resources development and promotion of travel in the ASEAN region through the ASEAN-Japan Centre, including the ASEAN Local Culinary in the ASEAN Festival 2013 in Yokohama, Japan and ASEAN PR activities.

26. The ASEAN Tourism Ministers expressed their appreciation to the Republic of Korea for its support in the development of ASEAN Tourism through several promotional and capacity building activities such as the ASEAN Tourism HRD Programme, Korean Language Training Course and participation at the Korea World Travel Fair 2013.

CLOSING REMARKS

27. The ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2014, themed: ASEAN: Advancing Tourism Together, successfully garnered the participation of 462 international buyers and 879 sellers with 353 exhibitors as well as 75 hosted media. The Ministers acknowledged the partnership with CNN International and CNBC as the official sponsors for ATF 2013.

28. We are pleased to announce, ATF 2015 will be convened in Nay Pyi Daw, Myanmar, in January 2015 with the theme, ASEAN Tourism Towards Peace, Prosperity and Partnership. The Philippines have confirmed that they will be the host nation for ATF 2016.

29. The Ministers expressed their sincerest appreciation to the Government and People of Malaysia for the very warm welcome and gracious hospitality extended to all delegates and the excellent arrangements made for the meetings.