AICST was established in mid-2002 by the APEC Tourism Working Group (TWG) and the Tourism Ministers of the 21 economies of APEC. AICST's role is to provide information and assistance to the APEC Economies and destinations to improve tourism sustainability throughout the region. AICST AIMS TO: 1) Contribute to improved planning and management of tourism 2) Assist better policy development by governments 3) Increase capabilities and capacities 4) Foster improved tourism education and training 5) Promote international understanding of different races, cultures and beliefs AICST MAIN OBJECTIVES ARE: 1) To facilitate collaborative research projects of regional & national significance which will expand knowledge & build capacities, capabilities & sustainability; & to facilitate & encourage the application of research outcomes by government & industry. 2) To coordinate the delivery of services within the APEC region to improve the sustainability of tourism destinations 3) To enhance the presentation & dissemination of travel & tourism information 4) To enhance education & training capacities for tourism & travel