ASEAN – China Year of Tourism launched

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China on March 16 officially launched the ASEAN – China Year of Tourism.

The launching ceremony was held in Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, which is holding the rotating chair of ASEAN.

Addressing the ceremony, Wanda Teo, Philippine Secretary of Tourism said that connectivity inside ASEAN has been improved over the years and people move more freely within the countries as a single tourism destination.

She also expressed her hope that tourism organisations of the two sides will enhance cooperation, bringing new job opportunities and investment.

Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang, currently in the Philippines for a four-day visit, noted that China and ASEAN have been enjoying rapid economic development and people's livelihood has greatly improved.

He said a mass tourism era has come and China will work with the ASEAN countries to take the China-ASEAN Year of Tourism as an opportunity to further upgrade the industry.

VNA