Asian Ecotourism Network launches in Bangkok

BANGKOK, Thailand – The Asian Ecotourism Network (AEN) was officially launched this week in Bangkok, Thailand.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Dr. Nalikatibhag Sangsnit, the Director-General of Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA), who officially declared the opening of an AEN office housed at DASTA’s headquarters in Bangkok.

According to a press statement, DASTA will house AEN for two years (until June 2017), with a potential extension beyond that date.

According to the founding chair, Masaru Takayama, Executive Director of the Japan Ecolodge Association, the network will supply more hands-on connections and relevant opportunities for members working together at a regional level.

“It will provide more networking and business opportunities, significant information, educational materials and networking prospects to both small and large organizations within Asia.

The strategic plans of AEN will be set during the first board meeting on June 3, 2015. The prioritized projects will be focused on investigating the state of ecotourism among the AEN members and better serve as the platform for Asian ecotourism industry.

The founding member countries comprise of Japan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, China, South Korea, Mongolia, India, Laos, Pakistan, Bhutan, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Philippines and Australia.

The support by DASTA includes the provision of the central office to support operational activities of the AEN on the 30th floor of TIPCO Tower in Bangkok, Thailand, along with computer equipment, office automation facilities, and access to meeting rooms.