The 42nd ASEAN Summit will see the participation of 11 heads of state and about 550 official delegates, the city government of Labuan Bajo, Indonesia – the venue for the regional event – has announced.

Taking place from May 9-11, the summit is expected to have a significant impact on the tourism industry and the creative economy of Labuan Bajo, especially in the fields of transportation, accommodation, handicrafts and food.

President Director of Labuan Bajo Flores Tourism Authority (BPOLBF) Shana Fatina said that the locality, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, will organise a series of art and cultural events on the sidelines of the 42nd ASEAN Summit.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) Arsjad Rasjid estimated that the summit can contribute five trillion IDR (nearly 341 million USD) to the local economy while boosting recovery of tourism and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

He said that Labuan Bajo Flores Authority Implementing Agency (BPOFBF) has prepared 1,156 rooms at 22 hotels and resorts in Labuan Bajo for delegates.

Besides, the regional event will bring new business opportunities for private sector in green economy while strengthening commitment of countries in the bloc to the Paris Agreement towards the “carbon neutrality” by 2060 target, he added.

Source: Vietnam News Agency