Sustainable tourism at the heart of 2014 ASEAN Tourism Forum
With the theme of 'Advancing Tourism Together', the 2014 ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) will explore the sustainable development of tourism and look at how tourism initiatives and plans can further support this Malaysia's mantra of 'Tourism Conserves, Preserves and Protects'.
To be held at Kuching, in Malaysia's Sarawak state, from 16th to 23th January 2014, over 1,600 delegates are expected to attend, including some 150 ASEAN tourism ministers and officials, 500 ASEAN exhibitors, 500 international buyers, 100 international and local media as well as 100 tourism trade visitors.
Looking forward to the conference, Malaysia's Minister of Tourism and Culture, Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz explained "it is a timely platform to think and act on the implementation of innovative and sustainable energy initiatives that will ensure the preservation of our natural environment for future generations."
Also welcoming the event, Sarawak Tourism Board Chief Executive Rashid Khan stated "having the ASEAN Tourism Forum in Sarawak is like being handed a gift on a golden plate. This is our golden opportunity to showcase to the trade what the destination has to offer. The economic spin-offs from ATF will be seen for at least three years."
Khan said the board will leverage the presence of international buyers and wholesalers through post-event tours and networking with identified buyers, adding "we have also developed customised product brochures with a listing of 13 anchor events that will be held in Sarawak next year for international buyers who will attend ATF to showcase new and existing products."
ATF aims to promote the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as one tourist destination promoting the exchange of ideas, reviewing industry developments and jointly formulating recommendations to further accelerate the growth of ASEAN tourism.
For further information go to www.atf-malaysia.com
Image: Malaysia's Genting Highlands Resort.
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