APEC Ministers commit to strengthening tourism
After two days of talks in Nara, Japan, Ministers recognised the "economic importance of tourism, including the creation of jobs, reduction of poverty and conservation of the environment" and stressed their determination to continue to strengthen the industry to help develop the region.
"During this period of significant change in the global political and economic order, tourism will continue to play an important and relevant role in the Asia-Pacific region," the declaration said.
Ministers agreed on the importance of protecting the cultural, natural and heritage assets of member economies by encouraging visitor flows more evenly, and to provide more stable employment in the industry.
"This approach could enable tourism to grow in a sustainable, balanced and inclusive manner," the declaration said.
The declaration will contribute to APEC's new growth strategy. The strategy is a commitment to produce "high-quality" growth in the region in the wake of the global financial crisis, and will be submitted to APEC Leaders for consideration when they meet in November in Yokohama.
Ministers agreed in Nara to exchange information and best practice on efforts to expand newer and emerging types of tourism such as medical and wellness, religious events tourism, sports tourism, cruise tourism, ecotourism, and MICE (Meetings, Incentive travel, Conventions and Exhibitions/Events).
"These avenues could stimulate new demand and tourism-related investment across the Asia-Pacific region," the declaration said.
The Nara Declaration also covers the following areas:
- Promoting collaboration between tourism offices and organizations, both public and private, in member economies
- Greater collaboration between APEC groups, the private sector and international bodies
- The need to implement strategies to promote the sustainable management of tourism businesses and destinations
APEC's share of world tourism has been growing over the past 15 years, according to StatsAPEC, an extensive database showing economic performance in the Asia-Pacific region. APEC's share of world tourism has increased from 28 percent in 1995 to currently 51 percent. International tourism arrivals in the APEC region have grown approximately 122 million over this period.