ASEANTA launches tourism award and “Discover ASEAN” platform on ASEAN Day, DKNews.kz reports.
Southeast Asia has unveiled new landmark initiatives that bring countries together, champion innovation, and inspire travelers.
On 8 August 2025, ASEAN Day, the ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) introduced two major projects: the 39th ASEANTA Tourism Award, themed Promoting Unity, Creativity & Excellence in Southeast Asian Tourism, and a new digital travel service - the Discover ASEAN microsite.
The launch took place at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, attended by Ni Luh Puspa, Deputy Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia, and Nararya S. Soeprapto, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN.
“The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism is proud to support ASEANTA’s initiative on ASEAN Day. As one of the region’s leading tourism destinations, we fully endorse joint projects that strengthen our shared identity and open new opportunities for cooperation. Let us inspire more travelers to discover the vibrant, diverse, and united spirit of ASEAN,” said Ni Luh Puspa.
A new benchmark for tourism in Southeast Asia
The ASEANTA Tourism Award is the first-of-its-kind regional accolade honoring outstanding achievements, innovation, and contributions to the tourism industry. It covers 12 categories, ranging from best travel photography and airline programs to sustainability initiatives, cultural heritage preservation, and new tourism attractions.
Award categories include Best Travel Article, Best Airline Programme, Best Tourism Photo, Best Hotel Package, Best Eco-Lodge, Best Tour Operator, and more. Submissions are open until 31 October 2025, with winners to be announced at the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026 in Cebu, Philippines, this January.
ASEANTA President Eddy Krismeidi Soemawilaga emphasized:
“These initiatives symbolize our shared ambition not only to recover, but to grow and lead. The ASEANTA Tourism Award raises the bar for our industry, while Discover ASEAN tells the region’s story through digital technology. We thank AirAsia MOVE for making this vision a reality and invite all tourism players to join the momentum.”
Discover ASEAN - one-stop hub for regional travel
Alongside the award, ASEANTA launched the Discover ASEAN microsite - a digital platform for travelers developed in partnership with MOVE and ASEAN.
Available directly from the MOVE app’s homepage, the service offers:
- Curated recommendations for food, culture, and destinations across ASEAN countries
- Verified visa and entry requirement information
- Up-to-date health and safety guidelines
- Links to official immigration resources
- Integrated booking for flights, hotels, and other travel services
The content is sourced from ASEAN’s official tourism website and verified by National Tourism Organisations (NTOs), ensuring accuracy and reliability. This approach lowers barriers to intra-ASEAN travel and makes trip planning easier and more convenient.
Moving toward a connected tourism landscape
The launch brought together representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat, tourism ministries, AirAsia MOVE, national tourism associations, ASEANTA members, and media outlets.
These initiatives strengthen ASEANTA’s role as a leader in tourism development, digital innovation, and regional integration, paving the way for a more connected and competitive Southeast Asian travel landscape.
