Brunei Darussalem is all set to host the 29th anniversary of the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF). Over 1,600 delegates including 400 international buyers and 100 international media are expected to participate in the region's foremost tourism and travel event at the newly built BRIDEX Center in Bandar Seri Begawan from January 21 to 28, 2010.
Sheikh Jamaluddin Sheikh Mohamed, CEO of Brunei Tourism, ATF 2010 Host Committee said, "As the global economy is already showing strong signs of recovery, this is an opportune time for sellers to capitalise on suitable platforms available to re-ignite interests and develop businesses. The sell-out reinforces ATF as a great vehicle for networking and trade for the ASEAN tourism industry."
All ten member nations - Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam - are well represented at the annual event which showcases the best of travel products and services in ASEAN. All 373 exhibiting booths at TRAVEX (Travel Exchange) are sold out. Thailand and Malaysia have the largest number of participating organisations.
ATF's components include the ASEAN National Tourism Organisations (NTO) meetings of senior officials, ASEAN Tourism Ministers meetings and tourism associations meetings. The Tourism Conference will be held on January 25, the Travel Expo and (TRAVEX) from January 25 to 28. The ATF NTO meetings will discuss issues that are brought forward from the ongoing ASEAN NTO tourism working group meetings held throughout the year.
In keeping with World Tourism Organisation's declaration of 2010 as the year for biodiversity, the theme of this year's conference, 'ASEAN - The Heart of Green10 Nations, One Conservation Vision', is a highlight the ASEAN Tourism Conference (ATC) to be held on 26 January. The theme aims at inviting ASEAN countries to take positive steps for sustainable tourism growth within the region.
ATC will feature a keynote address, titled 'Sustainable Tourism in Transboundary Conservation Areas', by acclaimed authority on eco-tourism Mr. Hitesh Mehta on how the region can embrace sustainable development principles and encourage responsible travel behaviour that will help conserve the environment and bio-diversity, as well as sustain the well-being of the local people.
Apart from TRAVEX, delegates will also get to explore the unexpected treasures of Brunei and Borneo through the pre-show city tours and post-show tours jointly organised by Brunei Tourism, Sabah Tourism and Sarawak Tourism. These include visits to historic sites and cultural landmarks, spa treats, as well as exciting nature and scenic tours across Brunei and Sabah and Sarawak in Malaysia.
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