KUCHING: Malaysia is set to host the Asean Tourism Forum 2025 (ATF 2025) once again, this time in Johor, and the event holds the promise of offering a distinctive platform for forging future partnerships within the tourism industry.
Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) secretary general Datuk Roslan Abdul Rahman said that ATF 2025, themed ‘Unity in Motion — Shaping Asean’s Tourism Tomorrow,’ endeavours to foster a spirit of unity and collaboration that surpasses geographical and cultural differences.
“The goal is to create a vision for a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future of Asean’s tourism.
“To achieve that vision, all of us must work closely together to implement all projects and initiatives that have been mutually agreed upon under the ambit of Asean’s NTOs.
“Therefore, I look forward to welcoming all of you in Johor Bahru in 2025,” he said.
He said this in his speech, read out by his deputy Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot during the official dinner of the Asean Tourism Committee Meetings (ATCM) 2024 at Sheraton Hotel here yesterday (March 6).
Meanwhile, the ongoing five-day ATCM programme (March 4 to 8) brings together
nearly 80 delegates from all Asean countries and the Asean secretariat to
discuss and strategise the implementation of the Asean Tourism Strategic Plan
(ATSP) 2016-2025 and key initiatives to enhance tourism sector across the region.
ATCM 2024 in Kuching showcased discussions spanning five committee meetings, including the 17th Asean Tourism Marketing Partnership Working Group (ATMP-WG) Meeting, the 17th Asean Tourism Competitiveness Committee (ATCC) Meeting, the 31st Asean Tourism Professional Monitoring Committee (ATPMC) Meeting, the 17th Asean Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism Development Committee (ASITDC) Meeting, and the 17th Asean Tourism Resourcing, Monitoring, and Evaluation Committee (ATRMEC) Meeting.
A workshop focusing on advancing Asean standards, awards, and frameworks for sustainable waste management in the tourism sector took place on March 4 as a notable feature of the sideline events.
The initiative underscores the region’s dedication to sustainability and promoting responsible tourism practices.
The conclusion of ATCM 2024 in Kuching will leave participants with a reinvigorated sense of determination and dedication to unlocking the full potential of Asean’s tourism sector.
The renewed focus aims to stimulate economic growth, facilitate cultural exchange, and uphold sustainability principles for the benefit of future generations, specifically in Asean countries.
Dr Victor Luna Amin, who is the principal assistant secretary of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) were among the guests present during the official dinner.
