ASEAN promotes regional tourism

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is currently promoting six experiential and creative travel themes to encourage multi-country trips across the region.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is currentlypromoting six experiential and creative travel themes to encouragemulti-country trips across the region.

The promotion is part of the ASEAN Tourism Marketing Strategy 2012-2015.

The six travel themes are The Tastes of Southeast Asia; ASEAN, aTropical Paradise; World-Class Cities; Experience Diverse Traditions;Sport and Relax; and Diverse Contemporary Creativity.

Aung Zaw Win, Director General of Myanmar’s Ministry of Hotels andTourism, and Chairman of the ASEAN Tourism Product Development WorkingGroup, said the themes do not only introduce the cultural heritage, artsand characteristics of ASEAN’s destinations, but they also meet thedemands of tourists today who want to experience, discover and immersethemselves in local ways of life.

For inspiringtravellers , ASEAN has compiled a series of the themes’ featuressuch as beach, nature and wildlife, cruise and rail tours, heritage andculture, health and spa facilities, he said.

Information about the travel companies and tour programmes is postedon the official ASEAN travel website www.aseantourism.travel.-VNA

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