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The ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2005 will be held from 21 to 29 January 2005, in Malaysia`s resort island of Langkawi…
The ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2005 will be held from 21 to 29 January 2005, in Malaysia`s resort island of Langkawi.Malaysia is hosting the event for the fifth time after having inaugurated it in 1981. After 24 years, ATF is regarded as the foremost platform for tourism industry professionals from the public and private sectors of ASEAN member nations to promote the ASEAN region as a premier tourist destination.
The ten ASEAN member countries include Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
ATF will begin with a series of government and travel trade associations meetings, i.e. the meetings of the officials of the ASEAN National Tourist Organisations followed by the Meeting of the ASEAN Tourism Ministers. The latter meets annually to set new directions and policies for greater development of ASEAN tourism.
They are also scheduled to meet with the Ministers in charge of tourism from Japan, China and South Korea to explore cooperative ventures to promote travel to the Asean countries from their respective countries.
The regional travel trade associations namely ASEANTA, AHRA, FATA and the Airlines Association of ASEAN will also hold separate meetings to discuss their respective plans and programmes to further improve the quality and standards of the ASEAN tourism industry.
The main highlight of ATF 2005 will be the ASEAN Travel Exchange (TRAVEX), which will see some 400 buyers from around the world meeting and exploring business opportunities with over 400 sellers from the ASEAN countries. The congregation of some 1,500 delegates will bring great benefits to Malaysia, and the island of Langkawi in particular, as the delegates represent major tour wholesalers, outbound tour operators, incentive organizers, airlines, car rental services, and special interest tour operators. TRAVEX is also expected to draw 150 international and local travel trade media.
ASEANTA will organize the ASEAN Tourism Conference, one of the most important events of ATF on 26 January 2005.
The theme for ATF 2005 is Shifting Paradigm – Prospering the Region. As the international tourism scene is changing rapidly, the modern borderless world presents opportunities and challenges to the ASEAN region. For the regional tourism industry to capitalize on these opportunities and challenges, the mindset of the industry players must be attuned to the realities of globalisation. It is imperative to move on from current business paradigms and adopt cutting edge ideas and out-of-the-box thinking. It is envisaged that such a shift in thinking will benefit ASEAN tourism businesses and the people they serve along with the region`s economic well-being as a whole.
The ATF 2005 organizing committee comprises of Tourism Malaysia, Malaysia Airlines, Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH), Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) and the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA).
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
