JOHOR BARU: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof says ASEAN nations should balance tourism and development as they emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic’s shadow.
According to him, this strategy will contribute to combating overtourism.
“Resolving the issues of excessive tourism is essential to preserving the equilibrium between the expansion of tourism and the welfare of the general public.”At the ASEAN Tourist Forum held here on Saturday, Fadillah stated that the post-pandemic Asian tourist industry must concentrate on both recovery and the shift to a sustainable and quality-driven business model.
He claimed that by encouraging aircraft decarbonization, the integration of renewable energy sources, and creative methods, the region can lead international efforts to promote sustainable tourism.
“These programs are designed to protect the environment and maintain cultural authenticity while providing fair benefits to local communities,” he stated.
According to him, the Action Roadmap for Sustainable Tourism Development in ASEAN provides tactics for advancing inclusive and sustainable travel in the area.
Fadillah urged ASEAN countries to prioritize high-quality investments while they recuperate from the pandemic.
Even while foreign direct investment in the tourism industry is on the rise, rising from US$1.2 billion (RM5.41 billion) in 2022 to US$2.8 billion (RM12.61 billion) in 2023, it is still significantly less than the pre-pandemic peak of US$24.5 billion (RM110.37 billion) in 2019.
“ASEAN must prioritize high-quality investments that diversify destinations, rebalance visitor flows, and use technology to ease the strain on current hotspots to close this gap.
“ASEAN can establish itself as a crucial platform for encouraging equitable and well-rounded tourism growth in the region by doing this,” he stated.
Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing were also in attendance during the inauguration ceremony. Tiong stated in his speech that Asian nations ought to cooperate in order to improve their visibility internationally.
“We must make sure that the tourism sector preserves our culture and helps our communities.
“We should keep working together to establish ASEAN as a major player on the global scene,” he stated – The Star
