27-1-2024 (VIENTIANE) During the 59th Meeting of the ASEAN National Tourism Organisations held in Vientiane, Laos, Nguyen Trung Khanh, Director of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), emphasized the need for ASEAN to focus more on joint activities in three partner countries: China, Japan, and South Korea. He underscored the importance of leveraging the strengths of these partners to bolster ASEAN tourism, as reported by the Vietnam News Agency (VNA).
Khanh pointed out that in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, tourists are inclined to travel shorter distances. Therefore, it is imperative for ASEAN to explore tourism standards in the coming years while considering emerging regional trends such as golf tourism. He highlighted golf tourism as an attractive product and a collective strength of ASEAN member countries.
The director advocated for increased efforts in developing and diversifying tourism products, with active participation from member countries. Khanh proposed the organization of a joint regional festival as a means to achieve this goal.
In his address, Khanh shared that Vietnam welcomed approximately 12.6 million foreign tourists last year, including around 2.1 million visitors from ASEAN countries. He expressed optimism regarding the bright prospects for 2024, anticipating a full recovery of tourism markets across all ASEAN nations.
Under the theme “Quality and Responsible Tourism – Sustaining ASEAN Future,” the meeting primarily focused on discussions and updates related to the implementation of the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan 2016-2025. Additionally, decisions concerning tourism made at the 42nd and 43rd ASEAN Summits were deliberated upon.
The gathering also reviewed reports from the ASEAN Tourism Committee and addressed other pertinent issues concerning partners, dialogues, and the preparation of the agenda and joint statement for the 27th Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers and Related Meetings.
