Removing barriers into ASEAN Tourism

Tourism is an increasingly important driver of economic prosperity and social progress. It is estimated that the tourism sector accounts for about 9.8% of GDP and employment worldwide.

Tourist arrivals in ASEAN in 2014 reached over 100 million, and the potential of tourism in the region is enormous. ASEAN aims to promote the region as an attractive, multi-faceted single destination. Increasing integration in the tourism sector would strengthen cooperation among the region’s various tourism industries, resulting in more total tourist arrivals and increased intra-ASEAN travel. Coordinated efforts on the regional level are also more likely to increase the quality of tourism, including social and environmental awareness.

Issues discussed

1. The main barriers faced in ASEAN tourism and challenges going forward 5-10 years, which fall on the following categories, Regulations and Policy framework; Infrastructure and Ideal Business Environment; and Human Resources Development and Exchange.
2. Challenges on the current single ASEAN visa for Inbound Travellers
3. Infrastructure issue on the cross border Connectivity & Confirmation that will need marketing of ASEAN as a single tourist destination and greater participation from private sector to invest in developing intra-structure in smaller cities with high tourism potential.
4. ASEAN must actively improving protection of natural and cultural heritage assets and becoming more responsive to climate change.
5. Efforts from the public private partnership to boost the tourism industry
6. Naming convention of the branding for ASEAN tourism

Sector Chair
Aileen Clemente, President, ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA)

Sector speakers

1. Allen Law, Chief Executive Officer, Park Hotel Group
2. Dennis Law, Executive Officer & General Manager Global Inbound Division, JTB APHQ
3. Ludwig Rieder, Consultant, ASEAN Stratergic Tourism Plan (ATSP)

Research Partner
Aileen Clemente, President, ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA)