ASEAN discusses ways to lure more visitors

VIENTIANE: ASEAN will continue to work together to attract more visitors to the region and in the bid to revive the tourism industry.

Vietnam news agency (VNA) reported that the matters were discussed in the 56th ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Tourism from July 5 to 6.

Participating ASEAN officials said they will continue to work together to revive tourism in the region under an action plan approved earlier this year, in collaboration with the relevant sectors. The ultimate goal is to revitalise the industry and restore visitor numbers to pre-pandemic levels.

These include the development of diversified tourism products, marketing campaigns, improvement of tourism standards and connectivity, and the use of more digital systems to provide tourists with easier access to information, VNA cited Vientiane Times reported.

It added that the meeting also took note that many member countries have adopted policies and measures to facilitate travel within the region, such as by simplifying procedures for tourists' arrival and departure.

In addition, authorities in ASEAN will work with dialogue partners and international organisations to strengthen the sector and make it easier for tourists to travel.

-- BERNAMA