The ASEAN Economic Community is coming into play at the end of 2015. Many hoteliers and investors alike expect an inter-ASEAN travel boom and the free-flow of labour. Yet, is it all as it seems? What hotel investment opportunities will AEC present? What should hotel investors really expect?
Prof. Dr. Walter Jamieson
FCIP Director, Service Innovation Program,
College of Innovation Thammasat University Daniel: Why is it important for hotel investors to know about AEC?
Prof. Walter: AEC has the potential to change the tourism dynamic in Southeast Asia.
* There is increased awareness amongst the ASEAN member states of the advantages of working together in positioning Southeast Asia as one destination offering a rich diversity of experiences. One of the potential advantages of AEC is the interest to promote the region with campaigns that will sell more than one destination.
* Travel amongst residents of Southeast Asia will increase, positively impacting demand.
* There is growing recognition of the power of working together in terms of attracting investment.
Daniel: What are the new changes and catalyst that hotel investors need to know regarding this subject?
Prof. Walter: There are increasing indications that travelers will travel between one state/province in one country to another state/province in another country, rather than the initially expected country to country travel. This has real implications on several sectors of the industry. The nature of your future customer is changing quickly and you need the right products in the marketing to succeed. The reality of the free-flow of labour also has significant implications for hotel investments. These are factors that investors cannot ignore.
Dr. Walter was the team leader on the development of ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan, which provides him with a unique perspective on AEC. He is also the team leader on the development of the ASEAN Tourism Marketing Strategy, which provides him with first-hand insights on what various countries are looking at in terms of products and experiences. Together with his role on the Singapore Tourism Board hotel expert panel and his extensive on-going research in tourism in Southeast Asia, he is the leading authority on this topic and he has a lot more to say!
Join us for the candid discussion, world-class networking and inspiring entertainment. Qualified hotel owners and investors are entitled to a special VIP rate while other delegates will benefit from our special advance rates available only to the first 50 delegates. Only a few spaces left so get involved early!