ASEAN SECRETARIAT
JAKARTA
INDONESIA

NEWS RELEASE

4 NOVEMBER 2002

ASEAN LEADERS SIGN LANDMARK TOURISM AGREEMENT

PHNOM PENH ( Nov 4) – ASEAN leaders today signed a landmark Framework Agreement on ASEAN Cooperation in Tourism at the Eighth ASEAN Summit that will give the industry a boost by facilitating domestic and intra-regional travel among member countries.

Cooperation in the harmonization of visa procedures for international travelers and the implementation of the smart card system for business travelers and frequent visitors from ASEAN countries will be enhanced. Travel levies and taxes for ASEAN nationals will be phased out with visa exemptions to be extended to other member countries that currently do not enjoy this bilateral arrangement.

The leaders agreed to promote ASEAN as a single tourism destination and develop its potential as an area of diverse cultures, attractions and scenery. An integrated tourism and travel services network will be established to capitalize on the complementarities of the tourist spots and natural attractions.

Steps will be taken to conserve and promote the natural and historical heritage of each country through environmental management to promote sustainable tourism. Collaboration in transportation to facilitate air, sea and land travel will be stepped up, with moves toward the liberalization of air services and commercial cooperation among ASEAN airlines.

The leaders are confident that the Agreement will facilitate investments in the tourism industry especially with the reduction of trade restrictions in the tourism and travel services in ASEAN countries.

 Under the Agreement, measures will also be taken to ensure the safety of tourists and travelers, particularly after the recent bombings in Bali, through stronger law enforcement and cooperation on immigration matters with member states. Security will be strengthened at major tourist spots, national monuments and historical sites.

Steps will also be made to deter tourism-related abuse of the cultural heritage and natural resources of regional countries especially in the exploitation of people like women and children.

The Agreement also calls for the increase in human resource development assistance and training in the tourism sector through the sharing of expertise in tourism promotion. The ASEAN nations will also be working more closely with China, Korea and Japan in some key areas to promote tourism.

International visitor arrivals to ASEAN in 2001 grew by some 6 per cent compared to the previous year, with some 41 million international visitors to the region last year. The leaders hope that the Agreement will help to further boost the tourism and travel trade.

To promote this multi-billion-dollar industry, Cambodia will be hosting the ASEAN Tourism Forum in January.

ENDS//

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Issued by:

GERALDINE GOH
Senior Officer
Public Information
ASEAN SECRETARIAT

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