The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has released the 2012 travel and tourism competitiveness report, stating that the bloc’s tourism industry is now on the right track.

Based on the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index published by the World Economic Forum (WEF), the report ranks Singapore first in the region in terms of tourism development.

The per capita tourism revenue of the “lion” island is 30 times higher than the average of other ASEAN countries.

And with 25 million foreign arrivals each year, Malaysia is listed in the world’s top ten destinations.

The report highlights the region’s huge potential in tourism thanks to its strategic location in Asia, rich natural and cultural heritage, long traditions of tourism, and suitable services prices.

However, the report also warns of some challenges to the development of the region’s tourism industry. Poor infrastructure, and weak public health service and environmental management have prevented ASEAN countries from fully tapping their tourism potential.-VNA