High seas of touring opportunity

ASEAN can expect huge inflow of tourists after new Maritime Silk Road takes effect

Zheng He, a Chinese fleet admiral in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), commanded multiple expeditionary voyages from China all the way to the Middle East and East Africa more than 600 years ago. This larger-than-life character has helped inspire modern China to resume bonds with its old acquaintances along the route and seek mutual development.

China's grand hopes of reviving the Maritime Silk Road in the 21st century is yet to be shared by all regional countries: Some, including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, have responded positively, while India, Vietnam and others have not. But this has by no means hindered the enthusiasm of the tourism industry in this region.