Malaysia Establishes World's First ASEAN-Focused Travel Channel

KUALA LUMPUR, March 9 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has established the world’s first Asean-focused travel channel, GOASEAN. The announcement on GOASEAN was made last Sunday at the ITB Berlin 2015 (Internationale Tourismus-Börse Berlin), the world's largest tourism trade fair. The channel is aimed at showcasing the region’s varied natural attractions and cultural exoticism to leisure seekers and tourism investors alike, said GOASEAN Sdn Bhd in a statement Monday. Asean will have a combined Gross Domestic Product of US$3 trillion by 2017 with a consumer market of 650 million by 2020. Sixty per cent of its growing population is below 35 years and expected to achieve middle class status by 2030. Tourist arrivals in Asean grew tremendously from 65 million in 2009 to 98 million in 2013. "Asean countries offer a rich and diverse cultural heritage that we are proud to share. "With our increasing regional economic integration, it is clear that ASEAN is a vibrant and growing area of opportunity," said Dr Ong Hong Peng, Secretary General, Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia, during the announcement of the channel. Ong said, GOASEAN will be the ideal platform for all tourism industry players in the region to showcase their unique offerings. "It will help spur the region's travel industry growth, promote intra-ASEAN travel, enhance mutual respect and appreciation for each other’s culture and heritage, while bringing people together in line with the Malaysian Prime Minister’s stated vision of a People-Centred Asean," he added. GOASEAN said it will broadcast 24 hours a day throughout the year from various platforms, primarily IPTV, Mobile, DTH and digital platforms. The content will focus on 10 clear segments of tourism, namely Shopping, Sports and Music tourism, Festival & Food tourism and Health & Nature Tourism Business. -- BERNAMA