Many speak of economic and geopolitical doom and gloom. But the secretary general of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) acknowledges that the ASEAN tourism sector as the bloc has great potential to flourish. In his remarks at the opening ceremony of the 15th ASEAN Tourism Forum in Manado, North Sulawesi last January, UNWTO secretary general Taleb Rifai says that Asia’s share of international tourism by the year 2030 will grow from 20 to 30 percent. “And the good news is … [Read more...]
ASEAN Tourism Potential for Economic Growth
Secretary General of UNWTO (the United Nations World Tourism Organization) Taleb Rifai expressed his optimism that the tourism sector is one of the big potentials for ASEAN countries to boost their economic growth. Speaking in front of a group of journalists at the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2012, which is taking place in Manado from January 8 to 15, Rifai said he was delighted that UNWTO has developed a strong relationship with ASEAN. To help ASEAN countries realize such a propitious potential … [Read more...]