Fightback Forum: How ASEAN is responding to the crisis

VIETNAM: Visas under review

International arrivals 2008 were 4.25 million, 0.6 percent above the 2007 figure. The target for 2009 is 4.8 million-plus. Vietnam has eased its visa policy for Russian visitors and says the government is actively considering visa-on-arrival for other nationalities. Vietnam wants to upgrade its airports but says it lacks the money to achieve this.

SINGAPORE: New promotion campaign

Visitor arrivals for 2008 were down two percent but people stayed longer and spent more than in 2007. Singapore is holding back on announcing targets for 2009 and is about to launch a new global marketing campaign to focus on the Lion City as a quality and value for money destination. New CEO Aw Kah Peng says 2009 will be challenging but the aim is to give potential visitors “a fresh perspective of Singapore”.

MALAYSIA:

Arrivals in 2008 were 22.05 million, just short of the target figure. Expectations for 2009 are for 20 million visitors. Emphasis will be on the ZOOM Malaysia campaign, which will encourage a holiday culture, particularly during off-peak times, among Malaysian citizens. Tourism Malaysia will promote Singapore, Brunei and Indonesia as part of its domestic market.

PHILIPPINES: Focus on youth

Oscar P Palabyab, under-secretary, Philippines Department of Tourism, wants nationals from ASEAN countries to enjoy the same hotel and tour rates as locals when visiting the Philippines. The department is appealing to the tourism industry to come up with products that will appeal to young travellers.

INDONESIA – A record year

A record 6.43 million visitors in 2008 was a 16 percent increase on 2007. Arrivals were led by Singapore with 1.35 million visitors. The success of Visit Indonesia Year 2008 has encouraged the tourism ministry to extend the VIY into 2009. Garuda continues to fight the ban on Indonesian airlines flying to Europe and hopes that the ban will be lifted in time to launch B777-ER services to Europe in 2010.

LAOS – Hit by Thai turmoil

In the 11 months to November 2007, Laos recorded 1.5 million visitors, of whom 700,000 were from Thailand. Laos suffered from the political turmoil in Thailand, visitor numbers from its neighbour slumped 200,000. A new runway at Luang Prabang is awaited. Major events in Laos in 2009 are the South East Asian Games and the World Ecotourism Conference in Vientiane.

CAMBODIA – More luxury hotels needed

Visitor arrivals in the first 11 months of 2008 were 1.89 million, up 7.4 percent over 2007. Some growth is expected for 2009. Tourism officials say the country needs more five star hotels and resorts, theme parks and convention centre facilities, and must work hard to attract cruise ships.

THAILAND – Recovery campaign under way

Final figures for 2008 arrivals are expected to come in at 14.3 million, a similar figure to 2007. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has planned a major marketing campaign, much of it Internet-focussed, plus roadshows, to restore confidence in the country following the blockade of Bangkok’s airports. TAT is asking the government for large budget increases – US$34 million for international markets – to drive the recovery.

BRUNEI – Focus on the environment

The hosts of ATF 2010 are showcasing the Water Village Cultural and Information Centre and the 22-room Ulu Ulu National Park Resort In Ulu Temburong rainforest. Brunei will play a leading role in promoting sustainable and responsible tourism among ASEAN member countries.