Sita W Dewi, The Jakarta Post, Manado, North Sulawesi | Wed, 01/11/2012 10:59 AM
Ministerial dance: Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Mari Elka Pangestu (second right) takes part in a Poco-poco communal dance at the ASEAN Tourism Forum welcoming dinner at the North Sulawesi governor's official residence in Manado on Tuesday evening. The forum, which takes place from Jan. 8 to Jan. 15, is attended by tourism ministers from ASEAN and its partner countries as well as businesspeople of the tourism sector. (JP/Sita Winiawati Dewi)ASEAN ministers for tourism will meet today to discuss the implementation of the ASEAN tourism strategic plan at the regional tourism forum, which is being held at the Grand Kawanua Convention Center in Manado, North Sulawesi.
“Our discussion will focus on the diversification of products and the market, as well as the quality of the products,” Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Mari Elka Pangestu told reporters prior to the meeting on Wednesday in Manado.
Mari said that the ministers would further discuss creative tourism’s development in the region as part of its vision to be a single tourist destination.
The minister said that creative tourism, which was part of the diversification of products, would include the diversification of destinations and the development of themed tourism.
“Themed tourism varies from experiential tourism or event-driven tourism. For example, Indonesia has an annual Java Jazz Festival that we can sell. We will also discuss developing ASEAN cruise packages,” she said.
Mari said that the region also planned to empower its human resources in the tourism industry by arranging training programs and certifications.
“By 2015, professionals in the tourism industry who have been certified will be allowed to work in any ASEAN member countries,” she noted.
Ministers will also further discuss the ASEAN single visa scheme.
“Free visas for ASEAN country citizens will be finalized this year, we will only have to wait for Myanmar and Cambodia. The remaining discussion is regarding the ASEAN single visa for international tourists, as well as how to facilitate tourists’ movement from one ASEAN country to another,” she said.
During the meeting, senior officials will prepare the material for the Thursday meeting with representatives of China, India, Japan, South Korea and the United Nations World Tourism Organization.
A new ASEAN tourism branding slogan, “Southeast Asia, feel the warmth”, will also be officially launched today.
