VIENTIANE, Lao PDR – ATF 2013 – REPORT: 32nd year of ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) TRAVEX records strong participation. Occupying an exhibition area of 9,000 sqm, the ATF TRAVEX – a 3-day travel trade-only exhibition and business meetings platform – will feature 490 booths from 354 exhibiting companies from the 10 ASEAN countries.
VIENTIANE, LAO PDR – ATF 2013 – REPORT: ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2013 will welcome some 2,000 delegates, comprising 400 heads of National Tourist Organisations (NTOs) and Tourism Ministers, and close to 1,600 TRAVEX delegates from around the world. TRAVEX delegates include suppliers from across ASEAN, International Buyers, Media and other tourism professionals.
Occupying an exhibition area of 9,000 sqm, the ATF TRAVEX – a 3-day travel trade-only exhibition and business meetings platform – will feature 490 booths from 354 exhibiting companies from the 10 ASEAN countries. Thailand and Indonesia form the two largest national contingents with 125 and 75 exhibition booths respectively. Corporate exhibitors are also participating in a big way with some 81 exhibition booths.
The event has attracted 470 buyers from across 56 countries and territories, with a slew of new countries participating this year including: Argentina, Austria, Bangladesh, Chinese Taipei, Ireland, Israel, Lao PDR, Nepal, Pakistan, Slovenia and Sri Lanka.
This year, 141 media delegates from 32 countries will converge at Lao ITECC to cover the latest happenings in ASEAN travel. Amongst these are media from first time participating countries, Japan and Lao PDR.
Over the next few days media delegates will receive first-hand information on the latest updates and developments taking place across all 10 ASEAN destinations, through dedicated Media Briefings by NTOs.
The education component of the event, ASEAN Tourism Conference (ATC) makes consistent efforts to bring important issues in ASEAN travel to the fore, through leading industry professionals and speakers. Open to all delegates, the 3-hour conference this year puts the spotlight on eco tourism with the theme: Road Map for ASEAN: Fostering Sustainable Growth, Promoting Eco Tourism. It was held on 22nd January from 0900 to 1200hrs, and ATC’s keynote speech was delivered by Mr. Mario Hardy, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, PATA Foundation. Mr. Hardy was joined by speakers:
- Datuk Dr Victor Wee, Chairman, Tourism Malaysia, Malaysia
- Mr. Umberto Cadamuro, Director of Business Development and Operations, Pacto Ltd, Indonesia
- Mr. Jimmy Sim, Business Development Manager, Dorison Travel, Singapore
- Mr. Anthony Wong, Group Managing Director, Asian Overland Services Tours & Travel, Malaysia
- Moderator: Mr. Imtiaz Muqbil, Executive Editor, Travel Impact Newswire, Thailand
The speakers shared the latest information and insights on the guidelines and efforts towards recycling, energy efficiency and water conservation in ASEAN tourism.
All ATF TRAVEX delegates have access to an array of networking and leisure activities, beginning with the complimentary tours of Vientiane City and Buddha Park, the Opening Ceremony and Gala Dinner on 20th January, and the Friendly Golf Game on 21st January at Lao Country Club. Hosted luncheons, dinners and late night events commenced on 22nd January.
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