Indonesia Supports Inclusive and Sustainable ASEAN Tourism

RRI.CO.ID, Cebu: Indonesia reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive and sustainable ASEAN tourism during the Opening Ceremony of the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026. The commitment supports the adoption of the ASEAN Tourism Sectoral Plan 2026–2030 as a regional roadmap for tourism development.

The event was held in Cebu, the Philippines, on Wednesday, 28 January 2026. The ASEAN Tourism Sectoral Plan 2026–2030 guides regional tourism development toward inclusivity and sustainability.

The roadmap aims to enhance visitor experiences and empower tourism businesses across scales. It also strengthens ASEAN’s competitiveness in the global tourism market.

Minister of Tourism, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, highlighted ASEAN tourism as a shared strategic opportunity. She emphasized ASEAN as Indonesia’s closest tourism market and a key driver of repeat visits.

The sector also opens space for collaborative growth across the region. “ASEAN is not only Indonesia’s nearest market, but also the heart of tourism growth that encourages repeat visits, delivers new experiences, and opens shared opportunities for the region,” Widiyanti said.

During the same ceremony, Philippine Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco delivered a speech by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. The address underscored tourism’s role in inclusive and sustainable development. Tourism was described as a catalyst for economic opportunities at the community level.

“When tourism is inclusive, it becomes empowering. When policies are applied with care, it becomes sustainable,” Marcos said.

The Philippines opened ATF 2026 under the theme “Navigating Our Tourism Future, Together.” The theme reflects ASEAN’s commitment to collective action guided by five tourism pillars. These pillars include resilience, workforce empowerment, seamless travel, digital tourism, diversification, and sustainability.

Minister Widiyanti encouraged ASEAN countries to strengthen cooperation for future tourism development. She stressed the importance of integration, resilience, and sustainability across the region. According to her, collaboration will ensure ASEAN tourism remains competitive and people-centered globally.