The Asia Pacific Ecotourism Conference (APeco) organised by MATTA Sabah Chapter, Malaysia concluded with the signing of an Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) between The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), Japan Ecotourism Society (JES), Ecotourism Association of Australia (EAA) and the APeco Organising Committee.
Signatories of the MOU have agreed to “collaborate in enhancing the promotion of ecotourism principles based on, equal partnership, in their respective countries and around the world”.
Several mechanisms were identified to achieve this objective. These include information exchange and networking, coordination of ecotourism events, sharing of expertise amongst ecotourism practitioners and related industries and aligning marketing strategies for mutual benefit. It was also agreed, that progress within the MOU is updated quarterly, to enhance cooperation and magnify results.
Chairman of APeco 2002 Albert Teo said: “Ecotourism is growing into an increasingly important segment of mainstream tourism which holds great potential for Malaysia if, managed wisely and sustainably.
“In the field of ecotourism, it is very important that we have a strategic partnership between government, private sector, local community and NGOs”.
For more information, contact: Albert Teo
