ASEAN Tourism Forum begins
Travel and tourism fraternity is flocking to Thailand for ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) in Chiang Mai. The five-day ATF, one of the most momentous annual tourism promotion forum in Asia that includes Tourism Ministers from the ASEAN countries, various airline company meetings, tourism conference, travel exchange trade fair etc, will conclude on January 26.
The theme adopted for 2018 was ‘ASEAN – Sustainable Connectivity, Boundless Prosperity’ with ‘Wonderful Indonesia’ being highlighted this year. Also this year Indonesia will detail a 182 square meter pavilion for the expo. Ministry’s development and marketing first deputy, Pitana said that the event also showcases 350 international buyers with thousands of volunteers from a global perspective.
The theme has all the elements that echo’s Thailand government’s awareness on ASEAN countries, on various aspects in the field of sustainability, economic and social opportunities, reduction of space in development and negative impacts that affect economic prosperity. The Thailand tourism ministry will arrange 42 global business conglomerates in the field of tourism at the Chiang Mai International Exhibition and Convention Centre.
ASEAN Tourism Forum comes under ASEAN countries, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) an intergovernmental organisation that consists of 10 Asian countries of the Southeast. Under the leadership of Chairman ‘Lee Hsien Loong’ and Secretary General ‘Lim Jock Hoi’ the organisation (ASEAN) is all about co-operation among the countries in the field of economic, political, security, military, educational and socio-cultural integration.
ATF thus has all the potential to promote ASEAN counties as one destination. Member countries include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Also, there are three more Asian countries namely China, India and Korea. Each year the annual event of the forum is conducted on a rotational basis.