ASEAN MUTUAL RECOGNITION ARRANGEMENT ON TOURISM ...

to operate. The proposed development and operation of an MRA would thenfacilitate the free movement of qualified tourism professional staff due to be fullyoperational by 2015.2.3 Priority for Tourism StandardsTourism is an important economic sector for the Member States of ASEAN. Itprovides an important source of export income and is a vital sector foremployment - particularly for women and small businesses. Not only has thesignificance of this area of economic development been recognised at theindividual state level, but also tourism has been included as a priority sector foreconomic integration across the ASEAN region.2.3.1 Human Resources DevelopmentHuman resources are a key competitive element of tourism, as destinationsincreasingly compete on level of service rather than physical or natural assets. Inrecognition of the imperative to develop a skilled labour force for tourism acrossthe ASEAN region, the ACCSTP project was developed and agreed based upon threegeneral objectives:-1. To establish an agreed set of ACCSTP.2. To determine the potential for manpower mobility and the establishmentof an MRA within ASEAN.3. To develop a strategic plan for the regional implementation of ACCSTPand a sustainable network to facilitate the application of an MRA onTourism Professionals.2.3.2 Strategic DirectionThe ASEAN Strategic Plan identified the importance of increasing the quality ofservices and human resources in the region as a strategic direction, and identifiedASEAN tourism standards and implementing the MRA as strategic actions of theplan. Figure 2.1 illustrates these priorities as part of responsible and sustainabletourism development.P a g e | 15