Ep 51: What is ASEAN & Why is it Important for Travel & Tourism?

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15 Jan 2021 • 31m00s

It’s all about ASEAN!

This week, Hannah and Gary take a journey through the history of ASEAN, the Association of South East Asian Nations. Established in 1967, ASEAN brings together the 10 countries of the hugely diverse region of South East Asia. Since founding the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015, ASEAN has positioned itself as a “Third Force” in Asia Pacific, after China & India.

Will it expand further (Timor Leste, Australia?), and why is ASEAN integral to the newly signed RCEP trade agreement in Asia Pacific?

Most importantly, how will ASEAN influence the future of the aviation, cruise, travel and tourism sectors in a post-pandemic world?

Will there be an ASEAN Air Travel Bubble, and can South East Asia really be promoted as a single tourism destination?

« Next Episode Ep 52: Reconnecting the US & Asia Through Travel, with Sandra Thomas-Comenole Previous Episode » Ep 50: What is the Realistic Outlook for Travel in South East Asia in 2021?

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26 Jun 2025 • 40m18s

Ep 259: South East Asia's Top 10 Talking Points of 2025 So Far: Travel & Tourism in a New Era of Global Uncertainty

It’s been a pretty unsettling first half of 2025 on a geopolitical level, and the regional outcomes are creeping but still uncertain. Against this backdrop, South East Asian airports have remained busy - but structural and cyclical challenges for travel economies are emerging. So, what do the events of January-June tell us about the rest of 2025 and into 2026? This week, Gary and Hannah assess the 10 top takeaways in the year so far.

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20 Jun 2025 • 17m26s

Ep 258: Is an ASEAN Tourism Visa South East Asia's Most Pressing Travel Concern?

“Despite referencing the word ‘tourism’ 26 times in its new Vision 2045 plan, ASEAN remains uncomfortable discussing a regional tourism visa. This largely reflects its institutional limitations rather than a lack of ambition.” Over recent months, significant hype has surrounded the possibility of the 10 countries (soon 11) of South East Asia launching a shared visa for tourists. The context is that each country in the region wants to expand tourism to support economic development.

Ep 51: What is ASEAN & Why is it Important for Travel & Tourism?

About This Episode

Latest Episodes Catch up with the pods you may have missed

Ep 259: South East Asia's Top 10 Talking Points of 2025 So Far: Travel & Tourism in a New Era of Global Uncertainty

Ep 258: Is an ASEAN Tourism Visa South East Asia's Most Pressing Travel Concern?

Hannah Pearson

Gary Bowerman