3rd Meeting of ASEAN, China, Japan and Korea National Tourism Organizations (NTOs +3), 25 May 2003

The ASEAN NTOs exchanged views on the impact of SARS on tourism and measures undertaken by ASEAN member countries at their Meeting held on 23-24 May 2003 in Kuala Lumpur.

China informed the Meeting that its government has taken emergent measures to fight against the disease and made remarkable progress. WHO has lifted travel advisories for Guangdong province. The updated information on SARS situation in China and measures undertaken by the government.

China suggested that a Special Meeting ASEAN+3 Tourism Ministers be convened in Beijing, China as soon as possible at appropriate time to discuss measures to assist tourism in ASEAN+3 region to recover from SARS impact.

Japan informed the Meeting that although SARS has a limited impact on its economy, its tourism industries, including airlines have been negatively affected.

Korea informed the Meeting that its Government has setup an emergency fund to provide loan with very low interest rate to assist the tourism industries to cope with negative impact caused by SARS.

The Meeting congratulated China for the remarkable progress made in the fight against SARS and supported the need for a Special Meeting of ASEAN, China, Japan and Korea Tourism Ministers on SARS in Beijing. The Meeting further agreed that in determining the date for the said Special Meeting, the following should be taken into consideration.

·         The outcome of the WHO's Summit on SARS, which is tentatively scheduled in June 2003 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and

·         The actual situation of SARS in China.

·         In order to prepare for the Special Meeting, a preparatory meeting of the ASEAN NTOs+3 on SARS would need to be convened.

·         In response, China agreed to undertake necessary preparation and communicate with member countries in due course.