Strengthening Regional Tourism: ASEAN-China Tourism Security and Safety Forum in Myanmar

Sanctuary of Truth Museum in Pattaya (Xinhua/Wang Teng)

Building a Safer Future for Tourism in Asia

The ASEAN-China Tourism Security and Safety Forum was recently held in Myanmar, bringing together key leaders and stakeholders to discuss how to ensure safety and stability in the tourism industry. The forum was jointly organised by the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC), the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism of Myanmar, and the Lancang-Mekong Integrated Law Enforcement and Security Cooperation Center (LMLECC).

The event focused on strengthening security cooperation, promoting sustainable tourism, and exploring practical solutions to the challenges facing the region’s travel industry.

Addressing Challenges in Tourism Development

Secretary-General of the ASEAN-China Centre, Shi Zhongjun, highlighted the progress made in recovering from the pandemic, but also acknowledged ongoing challenges. Concerns around misinformation, safety risks, and lingering conflicts continue to hinder public trust in travel.

• To strengthen regional cooperation, Shi proposed four key measures:
• Deepening policy and security cooperation
• Coordinating sustainable tourism and security strategies
• Enhancing tourism capacity building
• Promoting digital innovation and governance

 

ASEAN’s Commitment to Safer Tourism

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-China Tourism

Security and Safety Forum (Photo by Myo Kyaw Soe/Xinhua)

ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn, in a video address, emphasised that ASEAN countries must share responsibility and strengthen collective efforts to ensure tourism security. He stressed the importance of enhancing cultural trust and boosting cross-border travel between ASEAN nations and China.

Highlighting the potential for greater cooperation, Kao encouraged member states to work closely with China in creating a secure and sustainable travel environment that benefits both tourists and local communities.

Myanmar’s Vision for Tourism Security

Myanmar’s Union Minister for Hotels and Tourism, Jeng Phang Naw Taung, spoke on the importance of building a high-standard security system for the tourism industry. He underlined Myanmar’s dedication to strengthening China-Myanmar cooperation, with the goal of boosting both tourism and economic growth.

Regional Cooperation Through LMLECC

Ly Davuth, Deputy Secretary-General of the Lancang-Mekong Integrated Law Enforcement and Security Cooperation Center, reaffirmed the centre’s role in protecting tourism development. Using frameworks like the Nay Pyi Taw Declaration, LMLECC aims to safeguard the industry through intelligence sharing, multi-dimensional cooperation, and joint operations.

He encouraged ASEAN and China to use this forum as a stepping stone for closer collaboration in creating a safe, convenient, and sustainable tourism environment.

A Roadmap for Future Travel Security

The forum concluded with participants engaging in in-depth discussions on security challenges, policy coordination, and successful practices from across the region. One of the key outcomes was the adoption of the Initiative on ASEAN-China Tourism Security and Safety for Regional Sustainable Development, which sets a strong foundation for future collaboration.

This landmark event in Myanmar underscores the importance of security, cooperation, and innovation in ensuring the long-term prosperity of regional tourism. By addressing challenges head-on, ASEAN and China are paving the way for safer, more sustainable, and more attractive destinations for international travellers.

For more information, visit: https://asean.org/

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