M'sia seeks greater cooperation to empower tourism as tool for world peace

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has called on Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) members to play their role for greater cooperation to empower tourism as a tool for world peace and prosperity.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said travellers required a safe and stable world affordable, and efficient, more secure and less stressful travel where there was no violence or terrorism. "We can, together, make this planet a better, borderless world to visit, protect Mother Nature, promote national prosperity, create new wealth and employment opportunities and reduce the urban-rural economic divide.

"There is need for greater international and regional cooperation to empower tourism. Apec can play this role effectively," she said when addressing the three-day, seventh Apec Tourism Ministerial Meeting in Khabarovsk, Russia, whic began Monday.

Dr Ng said G-20's recognition of the importance of tourism globally, with an adoption of the tourism paragraph in the declaration of the G-20 Leaders' Summit on June 18 and 19, was a significant breakthrough for global tourism development. She also shared Malaysia's view on tourism at the meeting, saying that tourism was a synergistic and collaborative economy. "Malaysia does not view tourism as a competitive industry. We all have our individual, national niche, uniqueness and attractions. Tourists want to see and experience the world," she said.

Meanwhile, on issues pertaining to European Union (EU) Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), Dr Ng proposed that Apec take position in its objection to the inclusion of international aviation in the EU ETS. She said the unilateral and mandatory extension of the EU-ETS to include non-EU carriers operating to and from EU aerodromes, without the consent of the Government, was inconsistent with the Convention of Civil Aviation and an impediment to global tourism.

"If every state or region were to impose similar measures unilaterally, without consultation with other states or regions, the airlines may be taxed multiple times for each flight, resulting in severe negative consequences for the airlines and the economy. "We strongly suggest that the EU consider revoking the implementation of EU-ETS," she said, adding that countries that voiced their opposition to the EU-ETS included the People's Republic of China, Mexico, Australia and Thailand.

-Bernama.