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
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