ASEANTA Launches Tourism Awards and Discover ASEAN Microsite

JAKARTA, BTNp: TO MARK ASEAN Day 2025, the ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) unveiled two major regional initiatives: the 39th ASEANTA Tourism Award Themed Promoting Unity, Creativity & Excellence in Southeast Asian Tourism, and a new digital travel platform, the Discover ASEAN Microsite.

The launch event was held at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta and was officiated Deputy Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia, and Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN. Highlight ASEAN’s united commitment to boost regional tourism recovery, digital innovation, and cross-border collaboration, aligning with the region’s broader post-pandemic development agenda.

“These initiatives symbolize our collective ambition to recover, to grow, and to lead. The ASEANTA Tourism Award raises the bar for our industry, while Discover ASEAN brings the stories of Southeast Asia to life through the power of digital travel. We thank AirAsia MOVE for turning this vision into reality and call on tourism players from all sectors to be part of this momentum,” said President of ASEANTA, Eddy Krismeidi Soemawilaga.

The 39th ASEANTA Tourism Award is a first-of-its-kind regional accolade celebrating excellence, innovation, and impact in Southeast Asia’s tourism industry (https://aseanta.org/awards). The award covers 12 categories, spotlighting a wide range of contributions from digital campaigns to sustainability efforts, cultural heritage, and travel content.

The award categories

1. Best Travel Article – Outstanding storytelling that promotes ASEAN tourism through written features or blog content.
2. Best Airline Programme – Innovative air travel campaigns that improve regional connectivity or customer experience.
3. Best Tourism Photo – Captivating photography that visually represents the spirit of ASEAN destinations.
4. Best Cruise Programme – Exceptional cruise experiences highlighting ASEAN’s coastal and island tourism.
5. Best Hotel Package – Creative and value-packed accommodation offerings designed for intra-ASEAN travelers.
6. Best Sustainability Programme – Green initiatives that promote responsible tourism and environmental stewardship.
7. Best New Tourism Attraction – Newly launched or significantly upgraded attractions enhancing local tourism.
8. Best Marketing & Promotional Programme – Creative campaigns that boost destination visibility and appeal.
9. Best Cultural Preservation – Efforts to safeguard and promote ASEAN’s rich cultural heritage.
10. Best Eco-Lodge – Unique and sustainable accommodations set in nature, offering authentic local experiences.
11. Best Convention Centre – Venues that lead in service, technology, and sustainability for business events.
12. Best Tour Operator – Exceptional travel organizers delivering high-quality, immersive regional experiences.

Grassroots Initiatives

These awards aim to highlight the innovation, creativity, and impact of tourism players across Southeast Asia, from grassroots initiatives to large-scale campaigns. Submissions are open until 31 October 2025, and winners will be celebrated at the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026 in Cebu, Philippines, this coming January. ASEANTA welcomes entries from across the region, tourism boards, travel operators, media, local communities, and private-sector players.

Alongside the award launch, ASEANTA introduced the Discover ASEAN Microsite, an initiative co-developed by MOVE in collaboration with the ASEAN Secretariat. The microsite is accessible via the MOVE app’s homepage, and it features curated recommendations on food, culture, and destinations across ASEAN countries, alongside verified travel requirements, links to each country’s official immigration websites, and up-to-date health and safety guidelines.

The content is drawn from ASEAN’s official tourism website and verified by the respective National Tourism Organizations (NTOs), ensuring accuracy and reliability for travellers. By consolidating this information and integrating access to book flights, hotels, and other travel services within the MOVE app, the microsite significantly lowers barriers to intra-ASEAN travel and encourages greater regional mobility. This collaboration also reinforces MOVE’s position as a strategic digital partner in ASEAN’s tourism development and digital transformation efforts.

With the launch of these initiatives, ASEANTA affirms its role in championing tourism excellence, regional integration, and digital innovation, paving the way for a more connected and competitive ASEAN travel landscape.* BTNewspaper