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.
