Strength In Unity

An agenda of unity among member nations continues to drive the ASEAN Tourism Forum, which is scheduled to take place Jan. 18 to 25 in Manila, reports Press Today’s western editor Ted Davis.

This will be the 35th edition of this annual event, and this year’s ATF holds promise for signposting a way to unite ASEAN as a single tourist destination.

With the theme, “One Community for Sustainability,” the forum will launch the new ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan (ATSP), a master plan for the region from 2016 to 2020. This will not only help the development and growth of regional tourism, but also ensure that the growth is grounded in responsible and sustainable tourism, says the group.

ASEAN is made up of 10 member nations, including Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

The ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) is an annual gathering that brings together the member countries of the ASEAN to discuss trends and developments in the tourism industry and to facilitate joint policies for accelerating regional tourism growth.

ASEAN says the nature of competition between countries is oriented toward attracting visitors to the region, not just to individual nations.

“There is a cooperative, collaborative decision by all players to compete with each other so that the world will choose the region before choosing the country,” says an organization statement. “Our countries become, in very real terms, each other’s value extension – we become each other’s developing markets.”

The ATF also exists, crucially, to support a large regional travel trade market. This year, it will feature over 450 exhibiting booths. The host nation Philippines will showcase 13 regions from across the country, covered by products and programs at 150 exhibiting booths.

About 400 global buyers from 65 countries are expected to attend. Also attending will be some 100 hosted media from around the world. About 300 buyers from 40 countries attended last year’s ASEAN Tourism Forum, held in Myanmar.

Go to http://www.atfphilippines.com for more.

Photo Caption: The beach resort island of Boracay in the Philippines is one destination that will be featured at the upcoming ATF trade show and conference in Manila, Philippines.