ASEAN Tourism Ministers Conclude Landmark Meeting in Johor
Johor: The 28th Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers and related discussions, held in conjunction with the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2025, wrapped up a successful five-day event in Johor, Malaysia, on January 20, 2025. The Brunei Darussalam delegation was headed by Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Doctor Awang Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism.
According to Radio Television Brunei, the meeting highlighted the substantial recovery of the tourism sector in the wake of the pandemic. It underscored the immense potential for growth and innovation within the sector. ASEAN countries have observed positive growth over the past year, attributed to initiatives such as relaxing visa applications for international tourists and diversifying tourism package offers. These efforts have been pivotal as ASEAN Member States implement more robust policies to foster tourism growth, including enhancing visa processes and broadening the range of tourism experiences available to travelers.
The Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism emphasized the necessity of intensifying efforts to complete the programs under the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan (ATSP) 2016-2025. The meeting noted ongoing regional initiatives aimed at elevating the standards and quality of tourism offerings. Enhancing connectivity initiatives to integrate lesser-known destinations within ASEAN was also a key focus area.
The assembly recognized that approximately 70 percent of activities under the ATSP 2016-2025 have been implemented. The ministers agreed to align the priorities of the upcoming ASEAN Tourism Sectoral Plan 2026-2030 with the ASEAN Economic Community Strategic Plan 2026-2030. This alignment aims to promote a resilient region through stronger cooperation. Prior to this gathering, the 61st Meeting of ASEAN National Tourism Organisations and Senior Officials Meetings with Dialogue Partners took place, further contributing to the cooperative spirit of the event.