ASEAN TOURISM MINISTERS SIGN MUTUAL RECOGNITION ARRANGEMENT By Sabarina Baharom

HANOI, Jan 10 (Bernama) -- Asean tourism ministers today signed a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) on tourism professionals in an effort to strengthen the industry in the region.

The signing ceremony took place on the second day of the 29th Asean Tourism
Forum (ATF) held here and Malaysia was represented by Tourism Minister Azalina
Othman Said.

Earlier, in a joint statement dated Jan 8 and made available to the
press Friday, the ministers said the MRA had two objectives, one of which was to
facilitate the mobility of tourism professionals within the region.

The other objective is to exchange information on best practices in
competency-based education and training for tourism professionals, and to
provide opportunities for cooperation and capacity building across the Asean
region.

During a press conference, Azalina was asked on Malaysia's secret of success
in attracting the highest number of tourists among the Asean countries.

"Part of Malaysia's success is due to its people, our culture, warmth and
hospitality as well as our value for money products and services.

"Our neighbouring countries do also help in contributing to our success,"
she said.
-- BERNAMA