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| ASEAN Tourism Forum |
ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) to be held on January 17-24, 2013, Vientiane, Laos, is a cooperative regional effort to promote the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region as one tourist destination where Asian hospitality and cultural diversity are at its best. This annual event involves all the tourism industry sectors of the 10 member nations of ASEAN: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Each year, the hosting of ATF is rotated among the member countries. ATF 2013 marks the 32nd anniversary of this event since its inauguration in Malaysia in 1981. Lao PDR will host ATF for the second time come 2013. The country and its host city Vientiane is all geared up to welcome over 1,600 delegates which includes some 150 ASEAN tourism ministers and officials, 800 ASEAN exhibitors, 400 international buyers, 150 international and local media as well as 100 tourism trade visitors.
About ASEAN
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| ASEAN |
ASEAN (Association of South-East Asian Nations) is a colourful and vibrant tropical 10-in-1 paradise like no other. Visitors to South-east Asia enjoy a truly unique experience because each ASEAN member country has been shaped by the fusion of centuries-old culture dating back to between the 13th and 15th centuries. This includes Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity, and the influence of the Portuguese, Dutch, British, French and American, and a bit of each in some cases.
ASEAN symbolises unity in diversity and this is most evident in its thriving tourism industry, a key economic driver for Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
The region offers wide and varied experiences. The simple and rustic life of villagers and hill tribes where time has stood still, co-exist side-by-side with luxurious, sophisticated and ultra-modern amenities and attractions such as world-class golf courses, buzzing nightspots, pampering spa resorts, mega shopping malls, as well as humble and high-end restaurants that serve every kind of cuisine.
The 10 neighbours and ASEAN member countries live in harmony by accepting and respecting each other’s differences and similarities, and this is why ATF (ASEAN Tourism Forum) is still going strong.
First established in 1981, ATF has played a very important role in the region’s tourism development. TRAVEX at ATF is still the most important regional marketplace for NTOs and travel suppliers to showcase their tourism products to buyers from Asia and all over the world. At the same time, government and private sector association meetings at each ATF provide the perfect platform to review strategies, improve cooperation and implement measures to tackle challenges and take advantage of opportunities collectively.
About ATF TRAVEX
22 - 24 January 2103, Vientiane, Laos
ATF TRAVEX (Travel Exchange) is the longest-running annual ASEAN leisure travel trade event, showcasing the largest contingent of ASEAN sellers.
A significant component of the ATF programme, ATF TRAVEX centers on a trade-only mart, designed to offer opportunities for ASEAN travel products suppliers to meet qualified buyers from around the world through scheduled appointments.
It is also an ideal forum for international buyers and media to gather the latest information on ASEAN tourism products and services, establish new business contacts and learn about tourism trade in the region.
Each year, ATF TRAVEX welcomes over 1,450 delegates that includes 800 ASEAN exhibitors, 400 international buyers, 150 international and local media as well as 100 tourism trade visitors.
About the Host Country Laos
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| Laos |
Unlike its neighbours in the South-east Asia, Laos is unique as it is the only ASEAN member country that does not have direct access to the sea. It is surrounded by Myanmar to the north-west, Cambodia to the south, Vietnam to the east and Thailand to the west.
This former Lane Xang Kingdom – jewel of the Mekong is mountainous, covered in dense forest, and unspoiled. The population density is low, ethnic lifestyles are diverse, and traditions prevail. Some say Laos is the only “original” South-east Asian experience left and it is waiting to be discovered as a tourism getaway.
Laos has one of the richest, most extensive networks of eco-systems in the Indochina Peninsula. More than 800 species of birds and 100 large mammals have been identified, and new species are constantly being discovered every year.
The destination has been attracting visitors who want to take their time to discover the country’s Buddhist culture, national and colonial architecture, gastronomy, World Heritage Sites, trekking locations, multi-ethnic people, silk, local handicraft products and more.
The best time to visit Laos is between November and April, which is the high season. The average temperature in Laos is 28°C. However, it can drop to 19°C in the capital Vientiane in January and below freezing in the mountains at night, and rise to 38°C during April and May. The rainy season is from May to September and the dry season is from October to April.
Discover Hidden Treasures in Laos
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| Laos |
Not to be missed are the destination's smaller towns and provinces.
• Pakse is the former gateway to the ancient royal capital of Champasak. It is near the ruins of the Vat Phou Temple Complex, a second World Heritage Site in Laos, which predates the famous Angkor Wat Temple.
• Bokeo, the smallest province in Laos, is home to many minority groups. Lying at the heart of the Golden Triangle where Laos meets Thailand and Myanmar, this province is known as the Land of Sapphires because the area is well known for this precious gemstone.
• Savannakhet, a town in the south of Laos, was the main trade route between Vietnam and Thailand. It gained popularity with French colonialists because of its temperate climate and fertile lands.
• The province of Champasak has a rich and grand history dating back over two millennia.
• Bolaven Plateau is famous for its coffee and fruit. Cardamom and rattan are grown in this area. The plateau is also a centre for the Mon-Khmer culture with many tribal villages.
For further information about ATF 2013 TRAVEX, please contact the ATF Secretariat:
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| Vientiane, Laos |
ATF 2013 TRAVEX SECRETARIAT (TTG Events)
c/o TTG ASIA MEDIA PTE LTD
1 Science Park Road #04-07, The Capricorn, Singapore Science Park II , Singapore 117528.
Tel: (65) 6395 7575, Fax: (65) 6536 0896
Corporate website: www.ttgasiamedia.com
Event Email: atf@ttgasia.com / atfsellers@ttgasia.com / atfbuyers@ttgasia.com / atfmedia@ttgasia.com
ATF 2013 Website: www.atflaos.com
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