Asia pacific sets out to create next-generation tourism industry

Members will work together to boost innovation and promote digital technologies in the tourism sector

 
By Vani Manocha
Published: Tuesday 16 September 2014

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Tourism ministers from 21 economies of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) have adopted a set of measures to ensure that travel and leisure industry in the region moves to next generation and keeps playing a significant role in trade co-operation and cultural exchanges.

For this, the representatives have decided to adopt Macao Declaration, the pact which includes initiatives, including facilitation of tourist travel, promotion of innovation and digital technologies in tourism management and the development of sustainable, low-carbon tourism destinations. 

“APEC member economies will strive to meet the new target of 800 million tourists by 2025 and give priority to the development of the tourism industry,” says a press release by APEC. The member countries will also be encouraged to bolster the development of ‘smart tourism’ and the industry will be enhanced to promote the transformation of the tourism industry and its sustainable growth.

“We welcome promoting the tourism sector as a key pillar in APEC’s work,” Mari Pangestu, Indonesia’s minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, said in her remarks on behalf of APEC ministers at the opening ceremony. “The sector is critical economically for the region with the Asia-Pacific enjoying the largest tourism market in the world. Globally, the tourism industry is the third largest sector, providing one in eleven jobs worldwide,” Mari added.

 


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