ASEAN continues to promote sustainable tourism development.
ASEAN Tourism Ministers believe that Southeast Asia continues to be an attractive destination for both regional and international tourists, having welcomed a total of 90.2 million visitors in 2013, a 12% increase compared to 2012.
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| Foreign tourists visiting the Temple of Literature - National University. (Illustrative photo. Source: VNA) |
The Ministers also committed to continuing to monitor the completion of the remaining measures to support the timely realization of the ASEAN Economic Community by 2015.
The joint statement said the Ministers approved the implementation of the ASEAN Tourism Framework to address climate change in order to ensure the sustainable development of the tourism sector in the region.
Through the ASEAN Joint Statement on the Implementation of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Code of Ethics for Global Tourism, the Ministers recognized the contribution of the tourism sector to the economic and social development of the region, particularly in improving the quality of life of the people.
The Ministers agreed that officials would continue to work closely with relevant agencies to facilitate the implementation of a common visa regime for citizens of non-ASEAN countries and its potential impact on the tourism sector.
Furthermore, the ASEAN Ministers also acknowledged the progress made in implementing the ASEAN Ecotourism Strategic Plan as an effective tool in promoting sustainable economic development through the conservation of nature tourism in the region.
The 17th ASEAN Tourism Ministers' Meeting (AFT 2014), themed “ASEAN – Together Promoting Tourism Development,” along with the ASEAN Tourism Ministers' Meeting with partner countries and related conferences, the ASEAN Tourism Forum, and the Travex International Tourism Fair, took place in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia from January 16-23, 2014.
Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ho Anh Tuan led the Vietnamese delegation to attend the conferences.
According to plans, AFT 2015 will be held in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, with the theme "ASEAN Tourism Towards Peace, Prosperity and Partnership."
According to Vietnam+
