Manila:A Lao delegation led by Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Phakhanxay Sikhanxay participated in the 2nd ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Retreat in Manila, the Philippines, where discussions centered on measures to enhance regional tourism and tackle emerging challenges.
According to Lao News Agency, the ministers acknowledged tourism’s role in boosting economic growth, creating jobs, and fostering people-to-people connectivity. They also expressed concerns over geopolitical tensions and the volatility in global energy markets impacting aviation fuel prices, transport costs, and tourism competitiveness.
To bolster regional tourism, the ministers agreed to promote travel within ASEAN and to market lesser-known destinations to diversify tourism offerings and lessen dependence on long-haul visitors.
The meeting resolved to update the 2002 ASEAN Tourism Agreement to incorporate digital transformation, sustainability, improved connectivity, and evolving traveler expectations, with ASEAN National Tourism Organisations spearheading the review.
The ministers also examined the ASEAN Sustainable and Resilient Tourism Investment Outlook, with support from the Asian Development Bank, to attract targeted investments in the tourism sector.
The initiative led by the Philippines to develop an ASEAN Tourism Intelligence System, featuring a regional tourism data dashboard and analytical tools, was welcomed as a means to support evidence-based policymaking.
During the retreat, the Lao delegation took part in the ASEAN Tourism Investment Showcase, organized by the Philippines and the Asian Development Bank. Mr. Somsai Sipaseuth, Deputy Director General of the Tourism Management Department under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, highlighted investment opportunities in Lao PDR, focusing on Feuang District in Vientiane Province and Pathoumphone District in Champasak Province as priority areas.
The retreat concluded with the adoption of a Joint Statement, reaffirming ASEAN’s commitment to the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan 2026-2030 and the development of a high-quality, sustainable, and resilient regional tourism sector.
