The development of regional tourism in Southeast Asia through cooperation is advocated not only due to
that fact of achieving self-sufficiency but also to advance exchange of ideas and international trade within
this region that could be implemented by constituting a unique tourism organization. Unlike other
economic sectors, Southeast Asian tourism industry experiences a significant lack of tourism experts.
Therefore, it is proposed that a Southeast Asian Tourism Experts Association (STEA) need to be formed.
It would operate as a “think tank organization”- being the centre-portal for experts of various skills
mandatory for regional tourism development to work closely with each other for achieving greater