Malaysia has backed an update of the ASEAN Tourism Agreement while pushing for stronger regional resilience, digitalisation and sustainable investment following the second ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Retreat in Manila.
Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Chiew Choon Man, who represented Malaysia at the Sept 29 retreat and ASEAN Tourism Investment Showcase, said the updated agreement should reflect the region’s changing tourism landscape, while strengthening resilience against global uncertainty and rising energy costs.
“The proposed update would place greater emphasis on digitalisation and governance, sustainability and climate change, crisis management, existing ASEAN tourism roadmaps and the integration of Timor-Leste,” the deputy minister said in a statement.
At the same time, Malaysia also outlined measures to strengthen tourism resilience amid global uncertainty and higher energy costs, including diversifying source markets, attracting higher-value visitors, encouraging domestic travel and improving air connectivity. The Visit Malaysia 2026-2027 campaign is expected to support international demand and regional travel confidence.
Meanwhile, Malaysia also reaffirmed its role alongside the Philippines as co-lead for ASEAN Tourism Intelligence under the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan 2026-2030, aimed at improving regional decision-making through stronger statistics, shared insights and evidence-based policies.
At the investment showcase, Malaysia highlighted opportunities in green infrastructure, nature- and community-based tourism, sustainable mobility and the preservation of arts, culture and heritage, while signalling readiness to work with private investors and development partners on regional projects.
Malaysia has backed an update of the ASEAN Tourism Agreement while pushing for stronger regional resilience, digitalisation and sustainable investment following the second ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Retreat in Manila.
Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Chiew Choon Man, who represented Malaysia at the Sept 29 retreat and ASEAN Tourism Investment Showcase, said the updated agreement should reflect the region’s changing tourism landscape, while strengthening resilience against global uncertainty and rising energy costs.
“The proposed update would place greater emphasis on digitalisation and governance, sustainability and climate change, crisis management, existing ASEAN tourism roadmaps and the integration of Timor-Leste,” the deputy minister said in a statement.
At the same time, Malaysia also outlined measures to strengthen tourism resilience amid global uncertainty and higher energy costs, including diversifying source markets, attracting higher-value visitors, encouraging domestic travel and improving air connectivity. The Visit Malaysia 2026-2027 campaign is expected to support international demand and regional travel confidence.
Meanwhile, Malaysia also reaffirmed its role alongside the Philippines as co-lead for ASEAN Tourism Intelligence under the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan 2026-2030, aimed at improving regional decision-making through stronger statistics, shared insights and evidence-based policies.
At the investment showcase, Malaysia highlighted opportunities in green infrastructure, nature- and community-based tourism, sustainable mobility and the preservation of arts, culture and heritage, while signalling readiness to work with private investors and development partners on regional projects.
