Mari Elka Pangestu, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Republic of Indonesia, shares her vision on what ASEAN's tourism priorities should be -
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The ten destinations of ASEAN are very diverse. To what extent is that a help or a hindrance when promoting ASEAN as a destination? MEP: 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 -- i.e. warm engagement between tourists and local people. 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. In my opinion, we should prioritize strengthening domestic, regional and international connectivity and developing tourist destinations through cooperation in infrastructure building, both soft and hard infrastructure. In order to meet infrastructure needs, joint frameworks such as public-private partnerships should be welcomed. In your view, what are the key sales and promotional points that ASEAN should be promoting to tourists in ASEAN and beyond? MEP: 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? |
MEP: 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. ASEAN member states have implemented the 2006 ASEAN Framework Agreement for Visa Exemption of ASEAN nationals to support ASEAN integration and connection as one community (reaffirmed by the ASEAN Leaders at the 19th ASEAN Summit). 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?
MEP: 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.
What needs to be done to make the ASEAN tourism region more user-friendly for investors?
MEP: There are number of approaches which could be done by the ASEAN member states: providing tourism investment opportunities and incentives, and providing clear rules and regulations in each country. To promote tourism investment, especially in infrastructure development, Indonesia has implemented three policies: 1) increasing the incentives given to tourism sector investment 2) simplifying the investment procedures in tourism sector, and 3) increasing investment promotions in the tourism sector.
We are also working on adding more Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in tourism. We already have one SEZ in tourism in Tanjung Lesung, Banten. Coming up soon will be Mandalika in West Sumbawa. Having these Special Economic Zones, allows us to offer more fiscal incentives to foreign investment as well as more facilitation to investors.
Indonesia is making progress on attracting cruise operators. What needs to be done to get the cruise sector activated across ASEAN?
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