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Asean tourism ministers agree to fight virus together
ASEAN tourism ministers yesterday agreed to work together to deal with the potentially fatal Novel Coronavirus pandemic, underlining action plans and a post-recovery plan to support the tourism sector.
In a statement made at a special meeting on Coronavirus via video conference, members expressed deep concern over the pandemic, which has severely affected the health, wellbeing and safety of the ASEAN community and it continues to pose imminent and unprecedented threats to regional and global economic growth and social development.
ASEAN tourism ministers agreed to foster coordination in expediting information exchange on travel-related, health and other necessary measures undertaken by ASEAN members to control the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak. They also called for collaboration with relevant sectors, especially in health, information, transport and immigration, to jointly implement measures and build on
each other’s platforms to promote a comprehensive, transparent and early response to mitigate and alleviate the impact of COVID-19 and future crises.
The statement also emphasised the implementation of clear policies and measures to bolster confidence among domestic and international visitors to Southeast Asia, including the development of clear standards and guidelines for a safer and healthier work environment to protect workers and communities in the hospitality- and tourism-related industries, destinations and establishments in ASEAN countries. They also agreed to support the development and implementation of a post-COVID19 crisis recovery plan without undermining efforts to safeguard public health.
The tourism sector is being hit hard by the negative economic outlook: ASEAN economies are now projected to grow by a measly 1 percent this year. According to the World Tourism Organization, the Asia-Pacific region will be most severely affected by the pandemic, with international arrivals in the region contracting by 9 to 12 percent this year.
Source: https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50719060/asean-tourism-ministers-agree-to-fight-virus-together/