Join forces in tapping potential

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Chief Minister calls for regional synergy among East Asian countries in promoting tourism

Adenan smiles after striking the gong to launch the 14th Eatof General Assembly. Also seen are Abang Johari (left) and Eatof member provinces heads of delegations. — Photo by Chimon Upon

KUCHING: There is a need for greater cooperation among East Asia Inter-Regional Tourism Forum (Eatof) member provinces to tap their resources in promoting the region’s tourism industry.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem said the member provinces need to work together to strategise, especially in areas of joint promotion and marketing, as well as sell the region as an entity by leveraging on technology and the social media.

“East Asia has so much to offer to the international tourists so our effort to jointly exploit our joint resources in promoting the tourism industry is an excellent example of cooperation among us.

“I think it will benefit us all if we work together as we have done over this many years,” he said when launching the 14th Eatof General Assembly themed ‘Growing Regional Tourism Together’ at Riverside Majestic Hotel here yesterday.

The Eatof member provinces are Sarawak, Malaysia; Cebu, Philippines, Gangwon, Korea; Luang Prabang, Laos; Quang Ninh, Vietnam; Siem Reap, Cambodia; Tottori, Japan; Tuv, Mongolia; Yongyakarta, Indonesia and Jilin, China.

Adenan pointed out that every Eatof member province has its own unique tourism attractions ranging from culture, adventure, nature and heritage, and business events such as meetings, conferences or exhibitions that have been able to lure both domestic and foreign tourists.

“Many of these tourists prefer multi destinations. They just don’t want to visit one country. They want to go to some other countries so packaged deal is very suitable.”

With a United Nations’ report stating that the Asia Pacific region recorded an increase of five per cent in international tourist arrivals in 2013 compared to 2012, he anticipated the figures to grow at an even higher rate in the future.

“The advancement in telecommunications and technology has transformed the way people travel. The easy communications access, cheaper fares and introduction of low cost carriers will increase the number of tourists.”

Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said considering that the Asia Pacific region had been acknowledged as a fast growing tourism destination by United Nations World Tourism Organisation for both inbound and outbound tourists, it was very crucial for Eatof member provinces to come together to take advantage of the positive trend.

He said Eatof was established in 2000 with the aim of promoting peace and prosperity in East Asia through strong regional cooperation, integration and forging sustainable growth for environmentally friendly tourism destinations.

“Other areas of cooperation and collaboration include tourism information exchange, cultural exchange, study tour programme, training, education and exchange of research findings in tourism related fields and provide assistance in the form of relief funds for Eatof members who suffer from natural disasters or calamities.”

For this year’s Eatof General Assembly, he said the organising committee together with the Eatof secretariat had laid out a very comprehensive programme which included the standing committee meeting.

In addition, he said there will be an Eatof academic symposium where member provinces are given an opportunity to share research findings in related tourism fields, and the highlight will be the governors or heads of delegates conference.

The delegates will be visiting the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre to view the Orang Utan, Sarawak Cultural Village, Medan Niaga Satok and also witness the International Dragon Boat Race.

For the first time, the Eatof Food Festival will be held alongside the food fest and craft bazaar at Kuching Waterfront in conjunction with the Sarawak Regatta from Sept 3 to 7. Ten member provinces have confirmed their participation at the food fest, bringing along nine of their own master chefs.

Among those present at the event were State Legislative Assembly speaker Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Assistant Tourism Minister Datuk Talib Zulpilip and heads of delegations from all the Eatof member provinces.