TIM eMagazine Issue 4 | Page 4

Publisher’s Note The Challenge to ASEAN Tourism W ITH THE FORMAL establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) on December 31, 2015 marked a major development in the region. Enhancing the economic strength of ASEAN nations, the AEC furthers the image of the region on both regional and global scales. ASEAN member states are underway to work towards the liberalization and exchanges of manpower, ideas, concepts and standards that will enhance the competitiveness of ASEAN both as distinct and single tourism destinations. Increase of intra-ASEAN travel among citizens of each member state themselves have now triggered that ASEAN states are formulating new strategies and campaign to attract more visitors in the region. The ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan (ATSP) 2016-2025 will now be implemented as a continuation of the tourism roadmap which started in 2011. As tackled in the recently concluded ASEAN Tourism Forum-2016 hosted by the Philippines. ATSP so far 79 out 87 measures have been satisfied revealed Banito C. Bengzon, undersecretary for Philippine’s Department of Tourism (DoT) and chairman of the ATSP meeting during the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2016 (ATF 2016). Despite all interesting developments, however, what will never change are the fabled smiles, warm, welcoming hospitality and gracious cultures of the ASEAN people that always make each journey always pleasurable and worth coming back. PHILIP ORTALEZA 4