Member states focus on coordination of policy measures and strategies to accelerate recovery of tourism activities in the region

The 33rd joint meeting of the World Tourism Organisation’s Commission for East Asia and the Pacific and its Commission for South Asia (September 14, 2021) came on the back of a challenging year for the region. The first to feel the impacts of the pandemic, the tourism sector of Asia and the Pacific has also been the hardest hit, recording a 95% fall in international arrivals in the first five months of 2021.

With UNWTO data also showing that this region continues to have the largest proportion of destinations closed to tourists, the member states taking part in the virtual meetings focussed on the coordination of policy measures and strategies to accelerate the recovery of tourism activities in the region. These include the phased lifting on travel restrictions and the introduction of travel corridors. Looking ahead, the members agreed on the importance of upgrading the skills of the tourism labour force as well as embracing innovation and digital transformation.

“The Asia and Pacific region has a proven record as a dynamic tourism destination. With the right policy measures and strong coordination, destinations can start safely welcoming back international visitors, thereby allowing tourism to deliver on its potential as a driver of recovery and inclusive growth,” said Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary General, UNWTO.

The meetings attracted around 120 participants from 25 of UNWTO’s 29 Member States in the region under the chairmanship of Malaysia and the Maldives. Ahead of the 24th session of the UNWTO General Assembly (November 30 – December 3, 2021, Marrakesh, Morocco), the meeting concluded with elections and nominations for positions within key UNWTO bodies.