Currently there are over 35 protected areas listed under the ASEAN Declaration on
Heritage Parks which was signed in 2003. A study should be undertaken to develop
heritage circuit packages to provide tourists with unique lifetime experiences of the
rich heritage ASEAN has to offer. The study should also look into developing
standards for basic amenities facilities, supporting infrastructures, training for tour
guides, language and interpretation skills, and memorable programme for the visitors.
Cruise tourism has also slowly gained momentum as an alternative transportation
means for visiting different countries in the region. Such potential should be further
developed for it will provide another distinctive experience for the tourists. A study
should also be undertaken to look into how public and private sector could collaborate
to address some of the key obstacles including inadequate infrastructure and facilities,
the development of tourism corridors, and the facilitation of land travel, as well as
transnational crime, for example, piracy and armed robbery at sea.
Affordable and hassle-free tourism within ASEAN will lead to greater people-topeople
connectivity and greater understanding of ASEAN peoples, societies and
countries.