Malaysia's Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, announced on January 25, 2024, during the Malaysia Night dinner function at the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2024 in Laos that the southern state of Johor has been selected as the venue to host the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2025.
Offering a glimpse into Johor's diverse offerings, Dato' Dr Ammar Abd Ghapar, the director general of Tourism Malaysia, shared insights during an NTO Media briefing at ATF 2024 in Vientiane.
Delegates from Johor Tourism, led by director Sharil Nizam bin Abdul Rahim, have been actively promoting the destination at TRAVEX 2024 in the Lao ITECC Exhibition Hall. The state is currently immersed in celebrating Visit Johor 2024, showcasing its natural beauty, cultural richness, and family entertainment destination.
The upcoming ATF 2025 marks Malaysia's return to hosting the forum after a decade, with the last edition held in Kuching, Sarawak. The forthcoming event will further build on Malaysia's commitment to promoting sustainable development and fostering ecotourism across the region, as demonstrated in this year's show in Vientiane.
While the venue has not been finalised at press time, Dr Ammar believes Johor will provide an ideal setting to ATF next year while welcoming delegates in true Malaysian hospitality.