ASEAN Tourism Ministers Aim to Promote Lesser-Known Destinations

Kuala Lumpur: ASEAN has reached a consensus to promote lesser-known tourist destinations across the region, as revealed by Datuk Roslan Abdul Rahman, the Secretary-General of the Malaysian Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture. This initiative aims to encourage tourists to explore beyond the popular spots and discover new areas with potential for attracting visitors. According to Lao News Agency, Datuk Roslan Abdul Rahman emphasized that the ASEAN Tourism Ministers' discussions did not focus on the issue of overtourism. Instead, they concentrated on opening up less popular areas, providing tourists with opportunities to explore secondary and tertiary destinations. This strategy is intended to distribute tourist traffic more evenly across ASEAN member countries. Roslan shared these insights during a press conference marking the conclusion of the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2025. In response to questions about Malaysia's approach to overtourism, he assured that Malaysia has implemented plans to prevent such is sues in its tourist hotspots. He mentioned that the country is still rich in undiscovered tourism products, ensuring a balanced distribution of tourist activity. In a related statement, Tourism Malaysia Director-General Datuk P. Manoharan highlighted Malaysia's commitment to sustainable tourism practices and infrastructure development. These efforts aim to protect the nation's natural and cultural heritage, particularly in areas like Semporna and Sabah, which are beginning to feel the pressures of increased tourist numbers. Manoharan underscored the importance of conserving these sites and enhancing their infrastructure to support sustainable tourism.