A new ASEAN-focused travel channel was an exciting venture to emerge out of the ITB Berlin 2015 trade show last week.
Malaysia announced the establishment of GOASEAN, kicking off the world’s first ASEAN-dedicated travel channel, which will showcase the region’s various natural attractions and cultural delights for anyone intrigued by the destinations.
GOASEAN is the brainchild of the Prime Minister of Malaysia YAB Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak, and has been touted as a game-changer in bringing ASEAN to the world.
“The countries of ASEAN offer a rich and diverse cultural heritage that we are proud to share. With GOASEAN, we will provide the opportunity to all member states to do just that,” Secretary General, Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia, Datuk Dr. Ong Hong Peng said at ITB Berlin 2015.
“With our increasing regional economic integration, it is clear that ASEAN is a vibrant and growing area of opportunity.”
“So from the shining lights of our modern cities to the awe-inspiring beauty of our forests, let GOASEAN be your guide to the region’s tourism treasures.”
The content on GOASEAN will focus on 10 major pulls in the tourism industry, including shopping, sports, music, festival and food tourism, and health and nature.
The travel channel aims to integret user preferences on aired content via the web portal and online polls, giving the audience the chance to engage with what’s being shared.
In addition, GOASEAN will also have a fresh stream of creative and authentic travel content from the people of ASEAN, to focus on building a new community of likeminded travel enthusiasts around the region.
ASEAN is predicted to boast a combined GDP of US$3 trillion by 2017, with a consumer market of 650 million by 2020.
Currently, 60% of the growing population sits in the youthful basket of 35 and under, while the ASEAN population is set to reach middle class status by 2030.
GOASEAN TV will start airing in Malaysia in June 2015 on Astro channel 737.
GOASEAN will broadcast all day, everyday, 365 days of the year, using various platforms such as IPTV, mobile, DTH and digital.
The channel sits on a greater target of 4.8 billion viewers around the globe, and content shared to over 16 million hotel rooms, 45,000 airports, and 3.6 billion viewers through inflight entertainment by its third birthday.
