With Asean countries becoming popular destinations for Qataris and other GCC nationals, the Asean Committee in Doha (ACD) is planning to organise more cultural events in Qatar to attract a greater number of visitors from the region.
Philippine ambassador Wilfredo Santos, the new ACD chairman, told reporters recently that they would be working hard to make the Asean Cultural Festival an annual event.
Held in 2015 at Katara – the Cultural Village, the festival attracted more than 45,000 visitors who had the opportunity to watch an array of traditional performances and shows from seven countries.
Performers from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam and the Philippines came to Doha to showcase authentic cultural shows.
“We offer a lot of facilities for people in this part of the world. Malaysia and Thailand are leading in this effort and other countries, like ours, we have to catch up,” Santos said, adding that the two countries knew the market very well.
He noted that some Asean countries such as the Philippines needed to improve tourism infrastructure and facilities and make halal food available, especially in tourist destinations.
Through the ACD, the seven envoys are working together to increase awareness on Asean not only as a tourist but also as an investment destination.
By institutionalising cultural shows in the region, including Qatar, Santos believes that many GCC nationals will be enticed to travel to Asean countries.
Despite differences among the Asean countries in terms of the form of governments, religion, culture, tradition, history, language and levels of economic growth, among others, the Philippine envoy stressed that they had maintained their unity.
Santos also vowed to initiate talks with the academe and hold discussions about the Asean to raise awareness about the region, which comprises more than 600mn people and with a GDP of more than $2.6tn.
Malaysian ambassador Ahmad Jazri Mohamed Johar echoed the statement of the ACD chairman, saying they would co-ordinate with Katara officials in hosting the Asean Cultural Festival.
Besides cultural performances and shows, he said they would also hold art exhibitions and other activities that would promote each Asean country.
Proper co-ordination, especially in preparing and bringing Asean performers to Qatar, is key to the success of an event, according to Johar.
While Europe remains a popular tourist destination for many Qataris and GCC nationals, it is learnt that Asean countries have been recording an increasing number of visitors from the Gulf.