Phnom Penh (FN), June 20 - Minister of Tourism Thong Khon presided over the opening ceremony of the second International Conference on ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Tourism Professionals (MRA-TP) under the theme of “Human Resource Development for Sustainable Tourism”, held from 20-21 June, 2018 at Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel.

The conference is attended by approximately 700 representatives of the ASEAN Secretariat, leaders of tourism institutions from ASEAN Member States, ASEAN-China Centers, ASEAN-Japan Centers, National Tourism Professionals Training Institute and ASEAN, National Tourism Association and ASEAN, national speakers, international development partners, ministries, institutions and administrations, youth, students, and stakeholders.

Thong Khon said that the 2-day conference is organized to share successful experiences and perspectives on policies, strategies and action plans to promote skills development and employment in the tourism sector, and to respond to labor market needs in the global tourism and the development of science and technology.

The minister also highlighted the progress of modern science and technology, using artificial intelligence in the industrial revolution 4.0, which has made some work obsolete. The demand for jobs and skills in the market has changed, which required the young people to be prepared for future skills.

ASEAN MRA-TP is a form of ASEAN cooperation that helps boosting human resources in the tourism industry to support the sustainable development of the sector.

Five topics for in-depth discussions at the conference include (1) challenges in providing quality training programs; (2) employment and economic growth: how tourism creates job opportunities and promotes sustainable global economic development?; (3) ASEAN MRA-TP and legal frameworks; (4) recognition of ASEAN qualifications for future goals of tourism training; and (5) ASEAN MRA-TP Discussion on Paths towards Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Tourism Professionals.
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