United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Quality tourism takes centre stage at ATF 2019
The Southeast Asia region welcomed 129 million tourist visits in 2019 but it is quality not quantity that remains top of mind for the ASEAN bloc’s tourism decision makers.
The development of quality tourism was a recurring talking point during the ASEAN Tourism Forum held at Ha Long City, Vietnam.
Roundtable discussions were held between tourism ministers and experts and research bodies to formulate a strategy to promote ASEAN heritage sites responsibly.
The overarching theme was achieving a balance between tourism development, better accessibility and the need to preserve heritage.
The implementation of region-wide homestay standards would also raise quality of services and human capital in this growing sector, while considering the different capabilities and cultural norms of each member state.
Tourism ministers also adopted the ASEAN MICE Venue Standard for convention centre meetings space and exhibition venues.
ASEAN ministers also identified other areas that need improving, such as easier options to aid the dispersal of tourism away from overcrowded destinations.
Addressing the overtourism conundrum, Thailand’s tourism minister Weerasak Kowsurat highlighted the implementation of a common ASEAN driving license to aid overland multi-country tourism and no re-entry visas required to enter Thailand again.
As a travel hub for ASEAN and especially the Mekong region, ‘we want to help disperse tourism to our neighbours.’ Weerasak said.
Thailand itself showcased 55 regional secondary towns and regions which are being pushed as alternatives to overcrowded hotspots such as Phuket, Chiang Mai and Bangkok.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Tony from Gatto’s Pizza on Columbus’s Unique Pizza Trail
Sophia Hyder Hock on Global Social Inclusion in Tourism
Sustainable Tourism: Don Welsh on Community Values and Global Collaboration
Jane Cunningham: Enhancing European Engagement in Tourism
Kristin Dunne: Navigating Destination Strategy
Revolutionizing Mobile Connectivity: Boris Bijlstra on HUBBY eSIM
Capturing Glasgow’s Vibrancy: An Interview with Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life
Lebua Hotel & Resorts: Rajan Khurana on Hospitality and Bangkok’s Charms
Sustainable Tourism and Growth: Insights from Chiravadee Khunsub from Tourism Authority of Thailand
Revolutionizing Travel: SmartSIM USA’s Dale Takio Unveils the Power of E Sims
TravelMole Interview with Hishan Singhawansa, Deputy CEO of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka
Unveiling the Essence of Magari Tours: A Dive into Authentic Italian Experiences
Abercrombie & Kent hails $500 million funding boost
British Airways passengers endure 11-hour 'flight to nowhere'
CLIA: Anti-cruise demos could cause itinerary changes in Europe
Gatwick braces for strike
Co-pilot faints, easyJet flight issues ‘red alert’