PATA’s Malaysia Chapter is organising a hub city forum in Kuala Lumpur to address the challenges and opportunities arising from the implementation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) next year.
This one-day forum on October 15, themed ASEAN Economic Community 2015 – Where is Tourism Heading?, is expected to attract around 250 delegates, comprising government officers and tourism industry players from the private sector.
PATA Malaysia Chapter chairman, Azizan Noordin, said: “During this forum, we will get expert views from invited speakers from the European Union on the challenges and opportunities faced by the European community. Issues raised at the forum will be brought to the attention of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia as well as ASEAN Summit 2015, where Malaysia is the chair.”
Three panel discussions are scheduled:
– Tourism Development Policies under AEC2015, which will explore the role of policies and regulations, and how it can facilitate the industry’s development in 2015 and beyond
– ASEAN Implementation Plan, which looks at improving connectivity, crisis management and recovery, multi-country thematic circuits, integrated products and aligned accreditation
– Embracing AEC New Opportunities, centred around the importance of regional partnership, branding, human capital development and sustainability in the rapidly growing ASEAN market.
Panellists will include representatives from NTOs including the Singapore Tourism Board, Tourism Authority of Thailand and Department of Tourism Philippines, as well as Alexander Kesper, team leader, ASEAN – EU Management Programme, and Klaus Geil, head of sector, external aviation policy, European Commission.
M Ali, honorary secretary of PATA Malaysia Chapter, said: “It is timely to have this forum as AEC 2015 is just round the corner. While it is a game changer that will enhance travel facilitation and connectivity within ASEAN, many issues need to be addressed such as free flow of tourists into the region, free movement of coaches and free movement of tourism personnel.”
