Philippines seen to benefit from Asean tourism plan

The Philippines is poised to be a major selling point for drawing tourists into “Asean as a single destination” as tourism ministers in the region agree on pushing a package of activities, many of which the country offers.

Tourism officials, including Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez Jr., have adopted the Asean Tourism Marketing Strategy 2012-2015, which focuses on travel based on nature, cultural and heritage, community and cruises and rivers.

Such activities are part of the 20 priority tourism “products” listed in the Asean Tourism Strategic Plan (ASTP) 2011-2015.

With 14 of the 20 offerings, the Philippines has the most priority activities than any other member-country. Among the 10 Asean members, the average is eight activities.

Asean groups Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar (Burma) and Vietnam.

Of the 20 products, the Philippines offers those based on culture; nature; cruise; marine (diving, surfing, beaches); people; urban; food; medical tourism; festivals and events; adventure; gaming; creative (arts, music, etc); education; and handicrafts.

However, the country missed out on MICE (meetings, incentives, conferencing, exhibitions); gateway/hubs; shopping; business; sports; and pilgrimage.

The ASTP states that these activities—identified by national tourism organizations and industry stakeholders—“have regional appeal and can meet the overall objective of encouraging travel within the region.”

In a statement issued following the 15th Meeting of Asean Tourism Ministers held in Indonesia earlier this month, the officials agreed to further develop the region’s potential for cruise tourism by further developing three cruise corridors, namely Malacca Straits, Karimata Strait/Java Sea/Flores Sea, and South China Sea/Gulf of Thailand.

Also, the ministers welcomed the initiative to develop an Asean common visa for non-Asean nationals, which would contribute to Asean efforts toward regional integration.