The Philippines is a proud and honoured host as the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2016 happens in Manila on January 18 – 25, 2016.
The ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) is an annual gathering that brings together the member countries of the ASEAN – Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam; to discuss innovations, trends, and developments in the tourism industry and facilitate joint policy formulations to accelerate the growth of the region’s tourism. The ATF is a cooperative regional effort to promote the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region as one tourist destination. Each year, the hosting of ATF is rotated among the member countries and ATF 2016 marks the 35th anniversary of this event since it’s inauguration in Malaysia in 1981.
Inspired with the theme, One Community for Sustainability, the ATF 2016 will launch the new ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan (ATSP) 2016 – 2020, which, as Philippine Department of Secretary says, “will work towards not only the development and growth of the region’s tourism, but also in ensuring that this growth is grounded on responsible, sustainable, and inclusive tourism”. The theme embodies how ASEAN nations are committed to strive towards delivering a quality destination experience for each and every visitor, an endeavor that is centered on responsibility, sustainability and inclusive tourism development.
During this week-long event, the ATF also holds a 3-day TRAVEX event which provides a platform for the selling and buying of regional and individual tourism products of ASEAN member countries. ATF TRAVEX (Travel Exchange) is the longest-running annual ASEAN leisure travel trade event, showcasing the largest contingent of ASEAN sellers. A significant component of the ATF programme, ATF TRAVEX centers on a trade-only mart, designed to offer opportunities for ASEAN travel products suppliers to meet qualified buyers from around the world through scheduled appointments. It is also an ideal forum for international buyers and media to gather the latest information on ASEAN tourism products and services, establish new business contacts and learn about tourism trade in the region. Each year, ATF TRAVEX welcomes some 1,600 delegates which includes more than 450 international buyers and 150 international media. For tourism players who want to attend this event, you may register here .
For more information on ATF 2016 , check out the following sites:
With this cooperative and collaborative efforts of ASEAN tourism players, the industry can look forward to a bright and promising ASEAN tourism grounded on responsible, sustainable, and inclusive tourism.
To all ATF 2016 delegates, Mabuhay and Welcome to the Philippines!
