Vientiane: ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn on July 1 announced key priorities of the ASEAN-India Tourism Work Plan 2023-2027, aiming to boost cruise tourism cooperation between the two sides.
According to Lao News Agency, ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn announced the key priorities during a virtual speech from Jakarta at the ASEAN-India Cruise Dialogue 2025 held in Chennai, India. He highlighted the importance of the initiative as a timely effort to deepen maritime tourism and strengthen regional connectivity.
Dr. Kao outlined several priorities within the work plan, emphasizing the development of integrated cruise circuits, the enhancement of port infrastructure with digital systems, and the promotion of joint investments in cruise-related services. He stressed the need for capacity-building in cruise operations and hospitality, particularly targeting youth and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Additionally, he called for enhanced coordination through the ASEAN Task Force on Tourism and Transport.
Sustainability was a significant theme, with discussions on protecting marine ecosystems, improving climate resilience, and using digital platforms to enhance passenger experiences and operational coordination. According to Dr. Kao, these cooperation areas highlight the potential for ASEAN and India to lead in sustainable and inclusive cruise tourism. He also noted India's five-million-USD contribution to the ASEAN-India Fund as crucial support for these initiatives.
With over 40 cruise destinations in ASEAN and major port upgrades in progress, Dr. Kao remarked that the sector is becoming a strategic growth area. The dialogue was part of the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism, aimed at strengthening tourism ties between the two regions.