APEC Tourism Ministers' Meeting Starts Today Despite Recent Typhoon
Regional trends in tourism, barriers to travel and infrastructure development were among the topics highlighted by Ministers at the opening of the 4th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting today in Hoi An.
Chairperson of Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism, Madam Vo Thi Thang, said despite facing difficult times in recent years, tourism in the region has progressed, particularly as businesses and governments have increased their cooperation.
"Despite the challenges such as natural disasters, and the threat of a pandemic outbreak of avian influenza, the industry has made significant strides in recent years," Madam Thang said.
"Pursuing partnerships with the private sector has been an important component for strengthening the regional economy and the tourism industry.
"In addition to supporting job growth in the hospitality and transportation industries, tourism has been proven to support complementary sectors as well.
"Improving skills for workers in the service sector encourages more visitors leading to a better experience for tourists and ultimately, to greater spending in the Asia-Pacific region."
Madam Thang also highlighted the work that had been undertaken by tourism operators after the recent catastrophic effects of a recent tropical storm disaster in Viet Nam as being indicative of the tourism entrepreneurial sprit in the broader region.
"The resilience of the local tourism operators are a testament to the strength of tourism operators all around our region," Madam Thang said.
"Only one week after the devastating Typhoon Xangsane, the local authority was able to bring business back to normal in the ancient city of Hoi An so that this meeting could take place."
Speaking on broad economic issues that are essential to the development of the tourism industry, Madam Thang said the political and economic stability of APEC Member Economies combined with cultural and natural diversity make the region an attractive investment offering high-growth potential.
"By promoting tourism within the region and learning more about our neighbors, the bonds of friendship solidify and prosperous relationships will grow.
"Member Economies are developing comprehensive plans to encourage tourism investment and jobs around the region," Madam Thang said.
"For example, in its 10-year plan to promote tourism development, Viet Nam has focused on market orientation, human resource development, high quality standards, tourism product diversification, international cooperation and investment attraction.
"With almost 70% of Viet Nam's international visitors coming from APEC member economies over the last 5 years, Viet Nam has witnessed exponential growth in the tourism industry."
Ministers provided a positive assessment of the tourism industry in their economy reports and confirmed the importance of the industry given the variety of sectors related to tourism operations. Ministers also heard from international tourism organizations such as the APEC International Centre for Sustainable Tourism (AICST), Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).
The Tourism Minister's Meeting began with an informal retreat in the morning session and will continue tomorrow with the formal plenary session on Tuesday morning. Ministers will then hold a news conference and release the 'Hoi An Declaration on Tourism'.
The Hoi An Declaration is expected to focus on the importance of taking a regional approach to tourism in the Asia-Pacific by encouraging investment and creating air linkages between cultural heritage sites in APEC member economies.
News Photo
Chairperson of the Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism, Madam Vo Thi Thang