ASEAN member countries agreed seven cooperation efforts on tourism sector as a 
mitigation measure towards the tourism sector which is considered as the 
hardest sector hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Photo: https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20200502/2792242-1

The Vice Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Angela Tanoesoedibjo 
represented Indonesia on the tourism ministerial meeting of ASEAN countries 
entitled "Special Meeting of the ASEAN Tourism Ministers (M-ATM) on Coronavirus 
Disease 2019 (COVID-19)" on Wednesday night (29/4/2020).

The meeting resulted joint statement which containing seven points of agreement 
from all tourism ministers of the ASEAN countries to strengthen the tourism 
cooperation, one of the hardest hits of economic sectors in the pandemic.

1.The Minister of Tourism agrees to foster ASEAN coordination in accelerating 
the exchange of information about travel, especially one related to health 
standards and other measures needed by the ASEAN member countries in 
controlling the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak through the increased operation 
of the ASEAN Tourism Crisis Communication Team (ATCCT). 

2.Intensifying the collaboration of ASEAN National Tourism Organizations (NTOs) 
with other relevant sectors in ASEAN, especially in the sectors of health, 
information, transportation, immigration as well as ASEAN external partners, to 
collectively implement the comprehensive measures, transparent, and quick 
response in mitigating and reducing the impact of the COVID-29 and other crisis 
in the future. 

3.The tourism ministers also to enhance a closer cooperation in sharing 
information and best practices among ASEAN member countries as well as with 
ASEAN dialogue partners in supporting the tourism sector. 

4.The cooperation covers the implementation of policies and effective measures 
to increase the trust of domestic and international visitors to South East 
Asia, including the development of standards and guidelines in improving the 
security and health factors for protecting the employees and communities in 
hotel industry and others which is related to tourism. 

5.The tourism ministers also agree to support the development and 
implementation of crisis recovery plan post the COVID-19 as well as efforts on 
the promotion and marketing of joint tourism with the aim of advancing ASEAN as 
a single tourism destination. 

6.The tourism ministers agree to accelerate the implementation of micro and 
macro economy, provide technical support and financial stimulus, tax relief, 
capacity and skill improvement, especially on the digital skill of the 
stakeholders in tour and travel industry. 

7.Accelerate the cooperation with ASEAN dialogue partners, international 
organizations and relevant industries to build a strong and prepared Southeast 
Asia to effectively implement and manage tourism that is sustainable and 
inclusive after the crisis.

Angela stated that Indonesia is committed 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.

"Several studies state that it needs, at least, five years for the tourism 
sector to return to the normal condition after the COVID-19. But I believe that 
ASEAN is better than that, the tourism in our region will recover faster under 
one condition, we have to strengthen the cooperation and collaboration," Angela 
said.

The ASEAN member countries reported the tourism performance which decrease 
around 36 percent on the first quarter of 2020, compared to the same period in 
2018 and 2019.

The number of international tourists' visit is recorded to decrease around 34 
percent, and the current room availability is at the lowest point. Also, there 
are many cancellations from the tour and travel industry.

The ASEAN member countries have revised or are correcting their target of 
international tourists visit and revenue from the tourism sector.

Source: Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy 


Image Attachments Links:

   Link: https://iop.asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=362926

   Caption: Indonesia's Vice Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Angela 
Tanoesoedibjo