Ministers and tourism authorities of Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia and the Secretary of Tourism of the Philippines have expressed their intention to collaborate with relevant government agencies and other stakeholders to facilitate travel in the region by developing a common smart visa system.
Together, they signed the "Statement of Intent on SMART Visa" today at the 22nd World Economic Forum on East Asia.
"By signing this letter of intent,
ministers and tourism authorities agree to work hand-in-hand for the
implementation of this system, whose objective will be that of
eliminating those barriers to the movement of tourists which are
currently creating disincentives to travel. Such objectives will be
achieved in close coordination with the governmental entities in each of
their respective countries," said U Htay Aung, Union Minister of Hotels
and Tourism of Myanmar. The statement of intent forms a part of joint
efforts to improve growth of the national and regional travel and
tourism sectors along with social integration.
More specifically, ministers of tourism
have agreed to collaborate on working towards the Asean Common Visa
initiative as called upon by leaders at the Asean Summit, which took
place in Jakarta in November 2011. It also builds on the single visa
scheme for tourism travel between Cambodia and Thailand, which was
implemented on 1 January 2013. Progressive relaxation and an Asean
common visa would also benefit non-ASEAN nationals who intend to visit
the Asean countries.
According to Mari Elka Pangestu,
Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy of Indonesia, "Considering that
tourism is a priority sector under the Asean Economic Community and
that it constitutes a significant contribution to the integration of
Asean countries, it is important to be 'smart' about visa facilitation
for travel." Given the experience of other countries and regions, it is
expected that Asean countries will also experience the positive impact
of implementing a smart visa on the growth of the tourism sector,
increased investments in the travel and tourism industry, and job
creation.
"By recognising the importance of the
connectivity in tourism activities, the statement of intent expresses
our desire to give a boost to the tourism sector by facilitating the
movement of tourists across borders; by going towards a smart visa
through adopting best practices; and maximising the use of technology to
reduce the inefficiencies of the traditional visa application process,"
stated Ramon R. Jimenez Jr, Secretary of Tourism of the Philippines.
The statement of intent was signed
during the World Economic Forum's Travel & Tourism High-Level
meeting held today under the theme "Building Myanmar’s Travel &
Tourism Industry: Driving Growth and Job Creation". "Facilitating travel
to stimulate economic growth and job creation is one of the pillars of
the summit, and is a core activity of the Forum's Industry Partners and
Members of the Global Agenda Council on New Models for Travel &
Tourism," said Thea Chiesa, Director, World Economic Forum.
Over 900 participants from 55 countries
are taking part in the World Economic Forum on East Asia, which is being
held for the first time in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. The meeting welcomes
over 100 public figures representing 15 countries, including heads of
state or government of Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines and Vietnam. More
than 550 business leaders, over 60 Global Growth Companies and nearly
300 young leaders from Young Global Leaders and Global Shapers
communities, together with other members of civil society, academia and
media are convening to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing
Myanmar and East Asia today.
source: Eleven Myanmar
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