by Prix D Banzon

Davao City – Tourism players within Brunei Indonesia Malaysia Philippines East Asean Growth Area noted insufficient air traffic within the sub-region.

In a presentation “Winning the Right Market Through Joint Promotional Activities and Reaping Benefits from the Expansion of Air Linkages” by delegates from Indonesia during the BIMP EAGA Airlines Forum at Grand Regal Hotel, it identified product similarity and security which is a matter of serious concern as among the obstacles.

Noting such obstacles, it must provide access for the population within the sub-region and encourage investors to locate themselves in the area and spur intra-regional trade.

The paper noted a strong world tourism growth in 2007 where international tourist arrival worldwide rose by over six percent to 252 million representing an additional 15 million arrivals as against the same period in 2006.

But the sub-region from 2001 to 2005 posted a slow growth of traffic in the sub-region however, Indonesia particularly during the period 1993 to 2010 marked a significant growth of domestic air traffic.

The average air traffic participants in 1995 to 2006 for domestic was at 17 percent while participants in air traffic international also of the same period was at six percent.

As a solution for the time being as far as market suitable for BIMP EAGA is concern, investment and tourism products are eco-tourism and marine tourism that can be offered to matured and experienced tourists with high income and willing to stay longer either for individual or small common interest group.

For investment it must be focused on infrastructure, agri-business, natural resources, long term investor and deep pocket.

The right market it said are the ASEAN, Asia Capitals and Europe and it must also promote BIMP EAGA to the world market through a well coordinated arrangements by all member countries.

The tourism players also recommended for an aggressive tourism promotion for the BIMP EAGA region. (PIA XI)

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