BRUNEI DARUSSALAM (Borneo Bulletin/ANN): Digital support has provided the travel and tourism industry with a valuable platform that offers better accessibility, visibility of information and promotion strategies, the 23rd Asean Tourism Ministers meeting was told.
Brunei's Primary Resources and Tourism Minister Dato Seri Setia Awang Ali Haji Apong, who was speaking at the Asean Tourism Forum (ATF) 2020 here, said Asean member countries had to work with business stakeholders and embrace new technology to meet the expectations of tourists.
“Such advancements demand travel and tourism-related business owners to invest in digital presence, as it is no longer viable not to be seen online, to remain competitive and appealing to the next generation of travellers, ” he added.
To this end, the minister invited Asean Tourism Ministers to discuss initiatives in smart tourism and how Asean can provide for a more personalised and meaningful experience in the region.
Tourism Ministers from Asean member countries discussed the progress of the implementation of the Asean Tourism Strategic Plan (ATSP) 2016-2025, the Asean Tourism Marketing Strategy 2017-2020, Asean Tourism Standard and Asean Tourism Forum 2021.
The meeting also reviewed the Asean tourism performance 2018 and 2019; and discussed cooperation with other Asean bodies and dialogue partners, namely Plus Three and India.
The ATF 2020, a week-long event, included a three-day Travel Exchange from Jan 14-16.
Around 1,000 tourism officials and exhibitors are expected to participate in meetings and social functions.
The 23rd Asean Tourism Ministers Meeting is followed by the 19th Asean Plus Three Tourism Ministers Meeting and the 8th Asean-India Tourism Ministers Meeting. - Borneo Bulletin/Asia News Network
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