Yangon to Manila Bay - A New Cruising Playground Inaugural Symposium Malaysia 2005

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MEDIA RELEASE
30^th May 2005: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

ASEAN MARINE TOURISM SYMPOSIUM DECLARES 8 STEPS FOR THE WAY FORWARD

The "Yangon to Manila Bay: A New Cruising Playground" Inaugural Symposium Malaysia 2005 (YTM Symposium) that was held in Kuala Lumpur on 26^th and 27^th May, 2005, had achieved its objectives of serving as a catalyst to further the growth of the marine tourism industry as well as the sailing industry, so as to create a cruising playground around the waters of ASEAN.

Tunku Dato Seri Iskandar Tunku Abdullah, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Symposium said, "I am pleased to conclude that this inaugural Symposium was able to clearly identify both issues as well as opportunities regarding the development of this sector of tourism." He added, "The World Tourism Organisation has identified this sector as being the fastest growing but has yet to achieve its full potential."

In the concluding session of the Symposium, the delegates present agreed that in order for the initiative to succeed, 8 action steps need to be taken:

1.       Formation of national marine tourism associations
2.       Creation of a ASEAN Marine Tourism Council
3.       Harmonisation of CIQP Procedures
4.       Protection of the Natural Environment
5.       Training & Education Programmes
6.       Establishing an ASEAN Marine Tourism Coordination Centre
7.       Solving difficulties of obtaining boat Financing
8.       Continuing to hold the Symposium in future

Among the topics discussed were the success stories of other yachting and marine tourism regions, laws and regulations on borderless cruising and issues and challenges for our region, piracy issues, safety at sea and the local fishing industry, the marketing of marine tourism, the economic impact and environmental issues of marine tourism, boat financing, boat registration and insurance and issues relevant to the development of the marine tourism and the marine industry.

At the closing dinner held on 27^th May, 2005, Symposium Chairman Emeritus Tunku Tan Sri Abdullah Tuanku Abdul Rahman thanked the sponsors who have made the event possible. The sponsors included Tourism Malaysia, Malaysia Airlines, EADS, BMW and Sabah Tourism. The event was sanctioned by the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) and supported by the Ministry of Tourism Malayisia.

He further declared that the next Symposium will be held in Malaysia, possibly in Langkawi or Sabah, approximately 12 months from now.

The Symposium was attended by 75 Delegates, 25 Speakers, 6 Moderators and guests, coming from 14 Countries.

For more information, kindly contact Mr. Wicky Sundram at +6012 387 0855 or the symposium secretariat at:
Bintang Melewar Sdn Bhd
Suite 20.06, 20^th Floor
Menara MAA
No 12, Jalan Dewan Bahasa
50460 Kuala Lumpur

T : 603 2145 6800
F : 603 2142 1200
Email: contact@symb2005.com

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