ATRA or ASEAN Tourism Research Association was established in November 2013 by a group of Institutions of Higher Learning from the ASEAN region with a research interest in Tourism. It aims to support the ASEAN integration policies through tourism research and innovation. In this role ATRA supports the objectives expressed in the ASEAN Tourism Structure Plan 2015-2025 (ATSP). 

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Since 2015 the 10 country members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are united in a political, economic and socio-cultural community (ASEAN Community). Inside the ASEAN Community, Tourism is recognised as a major industry and contributors to the ASEAN economy. The ASEAN region has received more than 100 million tourists in 2015.

Tourism is recognized as a driver and advocates for further integration of a region with important disparities. To support this growth, tourism research and expertise in the region is essential. This association will explore the need and feasibility of establishing a research network between universities involved in tourism research in the ASEAN region.

ATRA, as an association, is dedicated to enhance collaboration on tourism for the academia and researchers within and outside ASEAN through a network of tourism research clusters in Institutions of Higher learning from the region

Empowering ASEAN communities Through Tourism Research and Innovation.

• Establishing a network of Tourism research clusters in ASEAN Universities.

• Developing links between ASAEAN researchers in tourism with common projects.

• Providing a recognized multi-site resource and expertise related to ASEAN Tourism.

• Contributing to the development of the Tourism Human capacity for ASEAN Countries.

• Supporting the ASEAN integration policies.

• Respect for diversity 

• Excellence in research and innovation 

• Accountability and transparency in actions 

• Commitment to sustainability 

• Harmony through integration

• Support the ASEAN integration policies through tourism research and innovation

• Enhance collaboration on tourism for the academia and researchers within and outside ASEAN by establishing network of tourism research clusters in Institutions of higher learning from the region

• Provide Member States of ASEAN with research and advisory services where necessary

• Maintain, advance and disseminate knowledge in the field of tourism research in ASEAN.

• Provide a recognized research hub for resources and expertise related to sustainable tourism in ASEAN.

• Contribute to the human capacity development for tourism in ASEAN.

​In pursuance of the aims and objectives defined above the Association shall:

• Carry out research related to tourism in ASEAN.

• Organize seminars, forums, symposiums, exhibitions, workshops and conferences, carry out studies, research, and raise issues in accordance with the objectives of the Association.

• Integrate, publish and disseminate materials, such as books, research reports and periodicals relevant to the tourism industry in ASEAN and other activities pertaining to the promotion of the objectives stated above.

• Maintain a database of tourism research expertise with a focus on ASEAN.

• Assist Members of the Association to find the right expertise and clusters for research collaborations in compliance with the objectives of the Association.

• Accept and raise grants, endowments and financial support from available legitimate sources in support of its programmes and activities.

• Collaborate with other recognized Associations or Bodies within or outside ASEAN, which subscribe to the Association's objectives.