Najib strikes the gong to launch the 33rd Asean Tourism Forum 2014 while Taib (second left), Nazri (left) and others look on. — Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING: Malaysia has collaborated with relevant agencies in implementing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) on Tourism Professionals and has conducted programmes nationwide to heighten public awareness of Asean tourism objectives.
According to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak, this was one of the measures taken in advancing tourism together to realise Asean’s mission of ‘One Vision, One Identity, One Community’ by 2015.
“As a result, Asean member states will reap the economic efficiencies from this free movement of skilled labour and professionals in tourism within the region,” he said of the MRA signed by all Asean member states and will come into effect next year.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 33rd Asean Tourism Forum 2014 at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) complex here on Monday, Najib also noted that the establishment of the Asean Promotional Chapter for Tourism (APCT) and creation of the Asean tagline, ‘Southeast Asia, Feel the Warmth’ has strengthened the joint tourism promotion activities among Asean member states, raising the profile and value proposition of Southeast Asia as a tourist destination.
“Advancing tourism together also necessitates the active engagement of the private sector, particularly travel agents from respective countries to develop multi-country tour packages which will be compelling for tourists.
“For example, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) 1-2-3 heritage tour is one package covering two countries namely Malaysia and Indonesia, involving three Unesco world heritage sites namely Melaka, Penang and Borobudur.
“This is indeed an interesting value proposition for tourists,” he said.
He also pointed out that many more innovative multi-country, multi-destinations tour packages could be further developed to provide value-added offerings to tourists based on specific themes or niche areas.
Among those present at the function were Najib’s wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and wife Puan Sri Ragad Kurdi Taib, Minister of Tourism and Culture Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, Minister of Tourism Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg and DUN Speaker Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar.