The ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) has launched two regional initiatives to mark ASEAN Day 2025 – the 39th ASEANTA Tourism Award and the “Discover ASEAN” Microsite. The launch took place on 8 August at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, officiated by Ni Luh Puspa, Deputy Minister of Tourism of Indonesia, and Nararya S. Soeprapto, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN.
“The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism is proud to welcome ASEANTA's initiative to launch the programme on ASEAN Day. As one of the region’s leading tourism destinations, we fully support this joint initiative to strengthen ASEAN’s shared identity and unlock greater opportunities for collaboration,” said Ni Luh Puspa.
The 39th ASEANTA Tourism Award, themed Promoting Unity, Creativity & Excellence in Southeast Asian Tourism, is the first regional accolade of its kind. It will recognise excellence, innovation, and impact across 12 categories, from best travel article and cultural preservation to sustainability programmes and eco-lodges. Submissions are open until 31 October 2025, with winners announced at the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026 in Cebu, Philippines.
“These initiatives symbolise our collective ambition to recover, to grow, and to lead,” said ASEANTA president Eddy Krismeidi Soemawilaga. “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.”
The Discover ASEAN Microsite, co-developed by MOVE and the ASEAN Secretariat, is available via the MOVE app. It offers curated recommendations on food, culture, and destinations across ASEAN, verified travel requirements, and integrated booking options. The content is sourced from ASEAN’s official tourism website and verified by National Tourism Organisations.