ASEAN MUTUAL RECOGNITION ARRANGEMENT ON TOURISM ...

2. ASEAN Common Competency Standards for Tourism ProfessionalsTopics2.1 Introduction2.2 Rationale for Standards Development2.3 Priority for Tourism Standards2.4 Basis of the ACCSTP2.5 The Importance of a Competency Framework2.6 Structure of the Competency Standards2.7 Common Labour Divisions2.8 Core, Generic and Functional Competencies2.9 Future DevelopmentsKey terms found in this chapterASEAN Tourism Agreement (ATA)ASEAN Common Competency Standards for Tourism Professionals (ACCSTP)ASEAN Strategic PlanASEAN Task Force on Tourism Manpower Development (ATFTMD)Capacity Building for an ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangement in Tourism(CBAMT) ProjectCore, Generic and Functional CompetenciesRegional Qualifications Framework and Skills Recognition System (RQFSRS)Toolboxes (for each Competency Standard in the 6 Labour Divisions)2.1 IntroductionAt their eighth summit in November 2002, ASEAN leaders signed the ASEAN TourismAgreement (ATA) which aimed to create favourable industry conditions in supportof ASEAN’s vision for a free flow of tourism services before 2020. As part of theagreement, the ASEAN leaders agreed to upgrade tourism education, curricula andskills through the formulation of competency standards and certificationprocedures, thereby leading to mutual recognition of skills and qualifications inthe ASEAN region. In addition, it supported the wider ASEAN agenda of encouragingMember States to adopt national frameworks for qualifications, competencies andtraining.2.2 Rationale for Standards DevelopmentThe rationale for development of ASEAN Common Competency Standards wasbased on the assumption that if a framework of competencies could be compiled,shared and adopted by the ASEAN Member States as a common reference forqualifications, this would lay the foundations and conditions necessary for an MRAP a g e | 14