JAKARTA – Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Puspa said that the launch of the 39th ASEANTA Tourism Awards and the Discover ASEAN Microsite by AirAsia MOVE is reshaping the tourism landscape in Southeast Asia.

"This is a concrete manifestation of our collective commitment, demonstrating how digital innovation, public-private collaboration, and shared sustainability values can transform our regional tourism landscape," she said at the launch of the two initiatives at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta on Friday.

With several main categories, Ni Luh stressed that the ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) Tourism Awards are more than just a celebration. They aim to raise standards, recognize champions of sustainability, innovation, and quality, and inspire others across the region.

She also highlighted that excellence in ASEAN tourism should not be seen as a privilege, but as a benchmark that all parties can strive for.

At the same event, Ni Luh described the launch of the Discover ASEAN Microsite -- developed through close collaboration between ASEANTA and AirAsia -- as equally transformative. The platform responds to the evolving behavior of global travelers.

"This platform offers an efficient and accessible gateway to explore ASEAN’s diverse wonders, connecting people not only with places but also with shared stories, heritage, and experiences," she said.

Through these joint efforts, Ni Luh believes ASEAN can not only recover from past disruptions but also build an inclusive and well-connected regional tourism ecosystem.
Tourism, she noted, not only drives economic growth but also connects communities, cultures, and histories.

"Tourism fosters mutual understanding, strengthens community bonds, and opens doors to shared prosperity. Today’s initiative reaffirms our shared aspiration to make ASEAN a region not only visited but also cherished and remembered," she said.

In commemoration of ASEAN Day, Ni Luh reiterated the commitment of all parties to work together for a vibrant tourism future.

"Let’s continue to innovate, collaborate, and inspire. Together, we can position ASEAN not only as a preferred destination but also as a model of regional unity and progress," she said. (Antara)