ASEAN aims for ecotourism cooperation

The forum attracted key leaders from tourism sectors of 10 ASEAN countries, the ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General, the Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific at the World Tourism Organization and many ecotourism companies from the region.

Tourism ministers at the event stressed the need for tight cooperation and the development of strategies for regional ecotourism areas, and more cross-border tour packages offering travellers chances to explore life in urban areas and natural reserves.

This will help promote sustainable development in remote areas. Tourism chiefs passed the Pakse Declaration, which reflects their common desire to reach a roadmap for tourism cooperation. The declaration will be proposed to ASEAN leaders at the ASEAN Summit this September.