…
At the conclusion of their meeting last Thursday, APEC Tourism Ministers adopted the “Nara Declaration” to support sustainable, inclusive and balanced economic growth of the industry in the Asia-Pacific region.
After two days of talks in Nara, Japan, Ministers recognised the “economic importance of tourism, including the creation of jobs, reduction of poverty and conservation of the environment” and stressed their determination to continue to strengthen the industry to help develop the region.
“During this period of significant change in the global political and economic order, tourism will continue to play an important and relevant role in the Asia-Pacific region,” the declaration said.
Ministers agreed on the importance of protecting the cultural, natural and heritage assets of member economies by encouraging visitor flows more evenly, and to provide more stable employment in the industry.
“This approach could enable tourism to grow in a sustainable, balanced and inclusive manner,” the declaration said.
The declaration will contribute to APEC’s new growth strategy. The strategy is a commitment to produce “high-quality” growth in the region in the wake of the global financial crisis, and will be submitted to APEC Leaders for consideration when they meet in November in Yokohama.
Ministers agreed in Nara to exchange information and best practice on efforts to expand newer and emerging types of tourism such as medical and wellness, religious events tourism, sports tourism, cruise tourism, ecotourism, and MICE (Meetings, Incentive travel, Conventions and Exhibitions/Events).
“These avenues could stimulate new demand and tourism-related investment across the Asia-Pacific region,” the declaration said.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
