Tourism Trade and Media to Meet in Cambodia in January for ASEAN Tourism Forum TRAVEX

13 December 2010, Phnom Penh, Camobdia –  More than 500 exhibition booths were taken up overwhelming the response for the annual leisure travel trade event, ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) TRAVEX (Travel Exchange).   All ten member-nations of ASEAN will be well represented showcasing the largest contingent of ASEAN destination products and services.

Only 400 of the 1,000 registered buyers have been selected  to attend under a privileged hosting programme.  Buyer profile this year includes delegates from Asia-Pacific (55%), Europe (37%) and the rest of the world.

A total of 1,600 delegates are expected at this year’s ATF 2011.  His Excellency So Mara, Secretary of State, Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia remarked, “ASEN is one of the few regions in the world that offers a lot of tourism value in the international market.  Demand for ASEAN will continue to grow and we can see that in the increasing interest of international buyers and proliferation of ASEAN products and services at the upcoming ATF.”

ASEAN member-nation Cambodia will host the 30th ATF in Phnom Penh from 15 to 21 January 2011.  ATF TRAVEX, the 3-day travel trade mart component of the event will take place from 19 to 21 January at the Diamond Island Convention and Exhibition Centre. Cambodia’s Minister of Tourism and Chairman of ATF 2011 Host Committee, His Excellency , Dr. Thong Khon looks forward to welcoming the ATF participants and international delegates to the Kingdom of Cambodia and  said “This year’s theme ‘A World of Wonders and Diversity’ embodies everything that Camodia has to offer as a compelling destination…  We have taken great pride to create plenty of opportunities for them to discover our country’s rich cultural, natural and historical heritage”

Business appointments and meetings which encompass the majority of delegates’ schedules over the 3-days are just some of the many highlights that ATF 2011 will offer.  ASEAN Tourism Conference (ATC) – the educational front of ATF – will feature topics such as Ecotourism and Sustainable tourism in the ASEAN region as well as managing tourism in destinations which are home to Heritage Sites.  Invited speakers hail from global institutions such as United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and Global Sustainable Tourism Council and will engage the audience through thought-provoking sessions and interactive panel discussions on key issues in ASEAN tourism today.

The opening ceremony will feature some 500 local and foreign performers in traditional and contemporary performances.   Cambodia’s Tourism Ministry is also pulling out all stops to ensure a feast for the senses with a strong play on the latest pyrotechnics (a 30 minute fireworks highlight) and sound effects technology.

Over the 3 days, delegates can enjoy 3 late night functions at Nagaworld, Raffles Hotel Le Royal and Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra.

Pre-show city tours of Phnom Penh and post-show tours to popular Cambodian destinations such as Siem Reap, Preah Sihanouk and Kok Kong are also available to hosted buyers and media delegates.  Full details of ATF 2011 and regular programme updates are available here.

Click here for more information about the Kingdom of Cambodia.

Adrian Editor

Adrian Eugene Seet, editor of SUPERADRIANME.com, has long shared his passion for travel, destinations, and air travel. His childhood love for exploration has evolved into a thriving career, with his engaging content inspiring others to discover new cultures. Taiwan is his new-found favourite destination, and he dreams of visiting the Andes. Adrian's work is driven by his curiosity for travel trends and a commitment to lifelong learning.

See Full Bio