PR83891

JAKARTA, Indonesia, May 2, 2020 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/--

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

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