ASEAN Tourism Needs Better Connectivity and Infrastructure

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta:Mari Elka Pangestu, Indonesian Tourism and Creative Economy Minister, shares her vision on what ASEAN's tourism priorities should be. The following are excerpts of her interview with the ASEAN Tourism Marketing Group:

The ten destinations of ASEAN are very diverse. Is that a help or a hindrance when promoting ASEAN as a destination?

I see the diversity of ASEAN destinations as a strength, not a weakness. If you go to all 10 destinations, you will find some similarities. The main problem in promoting ASEAN as a single tourist destination is connectivity and tourism infrastructure. To attract more tourists to ASEAN, we should improve connectivity and accessibility by road, sea, air, and rail, within the region.

What key promotional points should ASEAN be promoting?

The ASEAN region is rich in culture, heritage sites, diverse landscapes, natural beauty, and marine attractions. All tourism products could be promoted to every segment of the international tourist market, because each product has its own uniqueness. I think another important promotional point of ASEAN tourism is the warmth and hospitality of ASEAN people. Everywhere you go in ASEAN, you will experience how cultures and traditions blend in with contemporary everyday life. It's a charming mixture of tradition and modernity.

What are the main challenges for the tourism sector in ASEAN ahead of AEC 2015?

Connectivity and infrastructure are the main challenges for ASEAN tourism. That's why ASEAN leaders have established the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2011-2015. In addition, Indonesia and other ASEAN governments also support the initiative to develop the ASEAN common visa (ASEAN single visa) for non-ASEAN nationals in the future. We believe that this will support the promotion of ASEAN tourism as a single tourism destination, as well as ASEAN's greater integration and contribution to the global community.

How does the tourism industry in Indonesia feel about the advent of AEC 2015?

Most tourism industries in Indonesia are aware of AEC 2015, and they are encouraged by the government to participate in the development. In AEC 2015, there will be free flow of goods, services, investment, capital, and skilled human resources.
Indonesia is making progress on attracting cruise operators.
To boost cruise tourism, Indonesia is in the process of completing five ports that can accommodate vessels with a size of 320 metres by the end of 2013 -- Sabang, Belawan, Jakarta, Surabaya and Benoa. An additional three ports which are able to accommodate cruise ships of very large capacity at anchor -- Lombok, Tanah Ampo, and Komodo -- will also be completed by 2014.

What message will Indonesia be taking to the ASEAN Tourism Forum in Vientiane in January 2013?

I believe that the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2013 in Laos will provide a great opportunity for all ASEAN member states to discuss ways to providing an increased number of visitors to the region with authentic and diverse products, enhanced connectivity, a safe and secure environment, and increased quality of services. At the same time, this has to be done by ensuring an increasing quality of life and opportunities for residents through responsible and sustainable tourism development.

Can ASEAN promote niche activities, such as adventure, experiential, business and long stay -- as well as mass tourism?

Yes, of course we can. Market segmentation is based on experience and activities. We can develop appropriate itineraries that meet with tourist needs or creative segmentation. In Indonesia, we are now focusing on seven special interest tourism sectors: historical and cultural tourism; nature and ecotourism; culinary and shopping tourism; MICE; recreational sports tourism; cruise; and health and wellness tourism. Our new tourism attractions are expected to draw not only a higher number of tourist arrivals but, more importantly, higher quality tourists. We hope that foreign tourists will stay longer and spend more time in Indonesia.

Sourced: tempointeractive