ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2012, A sold-out event

Among the participating exhibitors, 30% are new. Remarked Pasinee Lawtrakulngam, Director of Sales and Marketing of Kacha Resort and Spa, Koh Chang in Thailand, “This is our first-time at ATF. We have committed to be at the event to significantly raise the visibility and awareness of Koh Chang, and to drive business to both the destination and our resort.”

Host country Indonesia will showcase the largest delegation of suppliers among the ASEAN countries with representation from over 100 companies and properties. Some of the Indonesian exhibitors include, Adodya Resort Bali, Aston International, Cocotinos Sekotong Lombok, Flores Destination Management Organisation, Hotel Aryaduta Group, Kima Bajo Resort & Spa, Manado, Komaneka, Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa, Ramada Resort Benoa Bali and Segara Village Hotel.

Buyer registrations and interest to attend the event have hit the 900 mark. Only 400 of all registered buyers will be hosted to attend ATF 2012. In addition, 50 non-hosted buyers are expected to participate. Buyer profiles will include trade representatives from over 55 countries including Australia, Belgium, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Canada, China PR, Finland, France, Germany, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Netherlands, Philippines, Poland, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States of America and Vietnam.

Anne Oksanen, Purchasing Manager of Finnmatkat from Finland is looking to finalise her winter 2012/2013 contracting during ATF. She adds “Thailand is our most popular winter holiday destination, but I would like to get updates on what is offered in the other destinations”.

Over 100 international and local media will be present to deliver live coverage and destination stories and reports to travel trade and tourism audiences worldwide.

To supplement business days, social networking activities are aplenty fuelled by support from other sponsoring ASEAN National Tourist Organisations (NTOs). Indonesia will host both the opening and closing ceremony on 12 and 15 January respectively. Both platforms are perfect opportunities for the destination to showcase its “cultural performances (dance, music, and song) and authentic Indonesian dishes,” said Nia Niscaya, Director of International Tourism Promotion of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Republic of Indonesia. The opening ceremony will also feature a Batik fashion show and will have the honour of being presided by the President of the Republic of Indonesia.

On the 13 and 14 January, delegates can also look forward to hosted dinners by Laos, host country of ATF 2013 and the Philippines. Pattaya City will also be dazzling the event with a late night function on 13 January, jointly hosted with TTG Asia.

Source - breakingtravelnews