The eight-day ASEAN Tourism Forum came to a close in Ha Noi on January 12 with member-nations agreeing to step up integration and connectivity to boost travel within the region.

The travel fair Travex 2009

Their tourism ministers signed the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan 2011-2015 for the purpose.

It is expected to provide an opportunity to develop tourism human resources and movement of workers within the region.

The countries also agreed to establish an ASEAN tourism investment corridor.

National tourism departments will work together to draw up a list of standard homestay facilities to help visitors learn about the cultures of the different countries.

As part of the ATF, travel fair Travex 2009 was held at the Vietnam Exhibition Fair Center on January 10-12, attracting more than 500 international tour companies.

The next ATF, themed “ASEAN, the Heart of Green; 10 Destinations, One Conservation Vision,” will be held in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, in January 2010.