Collaboration, rejuvenation and sustainability take centre stage at
ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2024, commencing today in Vientiane, Laos.
“This year’s TRAVEX marks a significant milestone in our ongoing
commitment to the growth and rejuvenation of the ATF,” said Eddy
Soemawilaga, President, Association of South East Asian Nations
(ASEANTA).
In collaboration with Laos’ Ministry of Information, Communication
and Tourism (MICT), ASEANTA appointed MP International of Singapore as
the event organiser and Travel Weekly Asia as the official media
partner.
This partnership aims to address the historical challenges faced by
ATF, particularly focusing on enhancing the consistency of the TRAVEX
organiser. “As the leading tourism body in ASEAN, ASEANTA is poised to
lead the charge towards a more robust and rejuvenated ATF,” said
Soemawilaga. “We are fully aware that change takes time, and this year’s
scale may not match the peak of ATF’s history.
Nevertheless, we are delighted that MICT has boldly stepped forward
to support ASEANTA in making this commitment to change the status quo.”
Soemawilaga is confident that these modifications will contribute to
TRAVEX’s success, serving as the annual convention of ASEAN tourism to
facilitate idea exchange and recommendations to drive ASEAN tourism
growth.
Suanesavanh Vignaket, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism of
Laos, expressed her appreciation for the collaborative efforts in
organising TRAVEX 2024. “We are honoured to host this event and look
forward to fruitful discussions and collaborations that will shape the
future of our region’s tourism industry.”
To amplify the impact of TRAVEX, the ASEAN Tourism Conference extends
to a two-day event, featuring 29 distinguished speakers with the theme
‘ATF 2024: Quality and Responsible Tourism – Sustaining ASEAN Future’.
“Together, we embark on a journey to revitalise ATF, building upon
the foundations laid since its inception in 1981,” Soemawilaga
concluded.
TRAVEX 2024 boasts 107 full delegates and 101 co-delegates as
sellers, featuring 34 booths representing 105 companies. There are 71
buyers, 130 trade visitors and 26 media representatives.