Greetings

  • Dr. Kao Kim Hourn

    Secretary-General of ASEAN

    Dear Friends and Colleagues,

    I am pleased to announce the launch of our dedicated webpage, which showcases best practices in sustainable tourism between ASEAN and Japan. This initiative is one of the key outcomes of the ASEAN-Japan Tourism Minister’s Special Dialogue held in Tokyo, in October 2023.

    The tourism sector serves as a vital pillar for both ASEAN and Japan, acting as a bridge for people-to-people linkages, cultural exchange, economic growth, and mutual understanding. Our shared histories, vibrant cultures, and breathtaking natural landscapes highlight the importance of collaborative efforts to promote sustainable tourism practices that enrich visitors’ experiences while also protecting and uplifting our communities and ecosystems.

    This new platform is designed to highlight innovative initiatives, successful case studies, and insights that demonstrate the power of sustainable tourism. By sharing our experiences and learning from one another, we can enhance our tourism cooperation while addressing common challenges such as environmental preservation, community engagement, and resilience to global issues.

    I invite all stakeholders—including governments, the private sector, and local communities—to actively engage with and contribute to this platform. Together, we can foster a spirit of cooperation that empowers both ASEAN and Japan to lead in sustainable tourism, preserving our shared heritage and ensuring its benefits for generations to come.

    Best wishes,

    Dr. Kao Kim Hourn
    Secretary-General of ASEAN

  • Dr. Kunihiko Hirabayashi

    Secretary General, ASEAN-Japan Centre

    Welcome to the ASEAN-Japan Sustainable Tourism Best Practice Webpage.
    This platform is the result of a collaborative effort between ASEAN and Japan, born out of the 2023 ASEAN-Japan Tourism Ministers’ Special Dialogue in Tokyo.
    It aims to foster sustainable tourism practices that create positive impacts for both local communities and visitors. By sharing best practices, innovative strategies, and lessons learned, we aim to inspire the region to advance towards more sustainable tourism development.

    Tourism plays a vital role in driving economic growth, social inclusion, and cultural exchange. However, it is essential that we address the environmental and social challenges that come with it.
    This website offers a space for governments, businesses, and communities to exchange knowledge, learn from successful case studies nominated by governments of eleven member states. You will encounter a wide variety of best practices spanning across eleven different themes.

    We invite you to explore the resources available here, apply them to yourselves, and join us in building a sustainable future for tourism in ASEAN and Japan. Together, we can create a tourism ecosystem that benefits everyone, from local people to international visitors.

    Dr. Kunihiko Hirabayashi
    Secretary General, ASEAN-Japan Centre