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ASEAN member countries agreed on seven collaborative efforts in the field of tourism as a mitigation measure for the sectors considered to be the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Deputy Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Angela Tanoesoedibjo representing Indonesia at a meeting of tourism ministers of ASEAN countries recently said strong cooperation was needed in an effort to jointly deal with the impact of COVID-19 in the tourism sector in the ASEAN region. It’s time we all ASEAN members to be together. Together we can be strong.
“During the meeting produced a joint statement containing seven points of agreement with all tourism ministers from ASEAN countries to strengthen tourism cooperation, one of the economic sectors hardest hit by the pandemic,” she said.
First, the ministers agreed to foster ASEAN coordination in accelerating the exchange of information about travel, especially related to health standards and other steps needed by ASEAN member countries in controlling the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak through increased operations of the ASEAN Tourism Crisis Communication Team (ATCCT) .
Second, intensifying the collaboration of ASEAN National Tourism Organizations (NTOs) with other relevant ASEAN sectors, especially in the fields of health, information, transportation and immigration as well as with ASEAN external partners, to jointly implement comprehensive, transparent and rapid response in mitigating and reducing the impact of COVID-19 and other crises in the future.
Third, the ministers also agreed to increase closer cooperation in sharing information and best practices among ASEAN member countries as well as with ASEAN dialogue partners in supporting the tourism sector.
Fourth, this cooperation also includes the application of policies and appropriate measures to increase trust between domestic and international visitors to Southeast Asia, including the development of standards and guidelines in improving safety and health factors to protect workers and the public in the hospitality industry and other industries related to tourism.
Fifth, the tourism ministers also agreed to support the development and implementation of the post-COVID-19 crisis recovery plan and to develop ASEAN tourism capabilities as well as tourism promotion and marketing efforts together with the aim of advancing ASEAN as a single tourism destination.
Sixth, the ministers agreed to accelerate the implementation of micro and macroeconomic policies, provide technical support and financial stimulus, reduce taxes, increase capacity and capability, especially digital skills for the travel and tourism industry stakeholders.
Seventh, accelerate cooperation with ASEAN dialogue partners, international organizations and relevant industries to build a strong and ready Southeast Asia to effectively implement and manage tourism that is sustainable and inclusive after the crisis.
Angela stated that Indonesia is committed together with all ASEAN member countries to encourage a shared vision of mitigating and restoring the tourism sector, both during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Some studies state that it takes at least five years for the tourism sector to return to normal from COVID-19. But I believe ASEAN can be better than that, tourism in our region will recover faster but with one condition we must strengthen cooperation and collaboration,” Angela noted.
She also explained, ASEAN member countries reported a declining tourism performance of around 36% in the first quarter of 2020, compared to the same period in 2018 and 2019. The level of international tourist arrivals was recorded to decrease by around 34%, and the current hotel room occupancy rate is at the lowest point and many cancellations occur in the tour and travel industry.
“ASEAN member countries have now revised or are making corrections to their targets in the number of international tourist visits and receipts from the tourism sector,” she concluded. [traveltext.id]
