MANILA, 30 September 2026 (The Capital Post) – Malaysia has called for stronger regional cooperation to build a more resilient, sustainable and inclusive ASEAN tourism sector amid changing travel trends, climate challenges and global uncertainties.
Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Chiew Choon Man represented Malaysia at the 2nd ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Retreat and ASEAN Tourism Investment Showcase at the Philippine International Convention Centre in Manila on 29 September. The Philippines hosted the retreat as a high-level platform for ASEAN tourism ministers to discuss regional challenges, opportunities and strategic priorities.
Malaysia supported efforts to review and update the ASEAN Tourism Agreement to better address digitalisation, sustainability, climate change, crisis management and other emerging regional priorities.
The country also highlighted the need to strengthen tourism resilience by diversifying source markets, attracting high-value visitors, encouraging domestic tourism and improving air connectivity.
Malaysia reaffirmed its role as a co-lead country with the Philippines in developing ASEAN Tourism Intelligence under the ASEAN Tourism Sectoral Plan (ATSP) 2026–2030. The regional plan sets out priorities including resilient tourism, workforce development, seamless travel, digital tourism and sustainable tourism.
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Malaysia also highlighted opportunities for sustainable and inclusive tourism investment in green infrastructure, nature- and community-based tourism, sustainable mobility, arts, culture and heritage.
The ASEAN Tourism Investment Showcase held alongside the retreat was designed to connect member states with investors, financing institutions and development partners while promoting sustainable and resilient tourism investment across the region.
According to a post on the official Facebook page of Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya Malaysia, Malaysia remains committed to advancing a more connected, resilient and inclusive ASEAN tourism sector while creating lasting benefits for communities across the region – The Capital Post
