Although world tourism performance experienced negative growth (-0.6%) in 2001, international tourist arrivals in ASEAN reached 42,202,266, accounting for 7.83 percent increase compared to year 2000.

The ASEAN Leaders signed a landmark ASEAN Tourism Agreement at the Eighth ASEAN Summit, held in November 2002 in Phnom Penh, to further promote tourism and enhance intra-regional travel among the Member Countries.  The objectives of the ASEAN Tourism Agreement include, among others, the following: (a) step up co-operation to improve the efficiency, attractiveness and competitiveness of ASEAN by facilitating travel into and within ASEAN; (b) establish an integrated tourism and travel services network to capitalise on the region’s tourism sites and natural attractions; (c) substantially reduce restrictions to trade in tourism and travel services among ASEAN Member States and facilitate investments in the tourism industry; (d) support the move to develop and promote ASEAN as a single tourism destination with a diversity of cultures and historical heritage, and assure quality tourism by upgrading facilities and services; (e) create favourable conditions for both travellers and visitors to ensure their safety and security; and (f) enhance mutual assistance in human resource development and training in the tourism sector

ASEAN Tourism Task Forces and National Tourism Organizations (NTOs) have been working to develop a road map for the implementation of the ASEAN Tourism Agreement. The ASEAN Tourism Ministers met in January 2003 in Phnom Penh and endorsed the outline of the implementation program. The NTOs met in May 2003 and finalised the implementation plan.

 The ASEAN Tourism Ministers issued a Declaration on Tourism Safety and Security and resolved to work closely with the relevant ASEAN bodies in reviewing existing policies and adopting appropriate measures to prevent tourism related threats.  They agreed to work with the law enforcement agencies to strengthen security in airports, seaports and all tourists’ sites. The ASEAN Tourism Ministers also agreed to strengthen information sharing within ASEAN and between ASEAN and China, Japan and Korea and other countries.   A tourism safety webpage is being set up to provide official information on safety and security for the public, media, as well as foreign governments.

Aimed at promoting the region’s tourism industry, this year’s ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) was held on 20-28 January 2003 in Phnom Penh under the theme ASEAN Unity: Ensuring A Brighter Future.  The ATF 2003 registered 368 buyers and 805 sellers.

The Visit ASEAN Campaign (VAC), now on its second phase, continues to capitalise on the intra-ASEAN market, without neglecting the international market. More detailed progress of the campaign can be found in http://www.asean-tourism.org.

In cooperation with ASEAN Tourism Marketing Task Force, the ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) extended its air and hotel pass – an ASEAN value package offered by participating ASEAN airlines and ASEAN hotels - for another year until 31 December 2003. The details of ASEAN air and hotel pass are available at various ASEAN airlines offices or travel agent and in the website of the ASEANTA: http://www.aseanta.org.

The Task Force on Tourism Manpower is working towards the development of Minimum Common Competency Standards for ASEAN Tourism Professionals.  This initiative is expected to facilitate the conclusion of mutual recognition arrangement in this area.

The ASEAN Cruise Development Study has been completed. This study was conducted to develop an integrated regional framework plan to institute a policy and regulatory framework and infrastructure facilities, as well as to identify key investment opportunities.