In the framework of the Asean Tourism Forum 2019, the 49th Meeting of ASEAN National Tourism Organisations (NTOs) officially took place on Jan 14 in Ha Long city with the participation of 200 delegates from NTOs of ASEAN, and other partner countries.
The meeting aims to orient the target of ASEAN’s tourism development in the upcoming time; propose measures to sustainable tourism development. Accordingly, tourism sector’s contributions to the GDP, rate of growth, and the number of international tourist arrivals are clearly specified.
In his speech at the meeting, General Director of Vietnam National Administration of Tourism Nguyen Trung Khanh emphasized tourism is the inevitable development trend of ASEAN member states and other nations in the world. Tourism has made great contributions to the socio-economic development of the Asia. Thus, developing tourism in the ASEAN region is also a good way to enhance exchanges and build a mutual understanding of cultures, politics, forstering the advertisement as well as boosting bilateral and multilateral cooperation among Asean countries in particular and around the world in general. He also added that the presevation and promotion of unique cultural values of each nation remains at the heart of working towards sustainable tourism development.
Vietnam’s successful hosting of ATF 2019 will contribute to bringing practical efficiency to tourism co-operation within the ASEAN region by sending the message of “ASEAN-The Power of One” to the world. This is also a great chance to elevate the image and position of Vietnam in the region and across the world as well as introducing delegates about the typical tourism products of Vietnam in general and Quang Ninh in particular, especially different types of tourism such as marine resorts, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferencing and exhibitions), and cuisine.
As reported, besides the 49th Meeting of NTOs, a wide range of bilateral meetings of the NTOs will be held. Tours around Halong Bay and Yen Tu relic will be also arranged for the delegates.
By Hoang Lam
