On 12 September 2013, the 3rd China Responsible Tourism Forum & ASEAN-China Tourism Development Forum, co-hosted by ASEAN-China Centre and Asia-Pacific Tourism Association, was held in Sichuan Province.
In his opening speeches, ACC Secretary-General Ma Mingqiang attached great importance to tourism for its contributions on speeding up economic development, enhancing employment and strengthening mutual understanding between people of different countries. In 2012, the two-way people exchanges between ASEAN and China has reached 15.58 million and both China and ASEAN are confronted with the challenges of expanding the market and safeguarding the natural environment at the same time. Responsible tourism is very meaningful and important for ASEAN-China tourism cooperation and the purpose of this forum is to arouse social responsibility of the business as well as the public and to keep the sustainable development of ASEAN-China tourism.
Mr. Tri Purnajaya, Director of Education, Culture and Tourism of ACC shared his experience on social responsibility of tourism in ASEAN and China. Over 150 ASEAN and Chinese representatives made broad and in-depth discussion on relevant topics and issues.