Sold-out ASEAN tourism forum 2013

Over 1,000 exhibitors from across ASEAN have snapped up more than 500 booths at ATF TRAVEX 2013 which takes place at Lao ITECC from January 22-24, 2013.

Over 1,000 exhibitors from across ASEAN have snapped up more than 500 booths at ATF TRAVEX 2013 which takes place at Lao ITECC from January 22-24, 2013. This strong exhibitor line-up, which is 40% larger than the previous ATF TRAVEX showcase, represents a wide range of diverse products and services from the 10 ASEAN countries.

The exhibition boasts 75 corporate booths, the highest number achieved by the event thus far. With new exhibitors comprising 35% this year, and strong booth take-up from returning exhibitors, ATF TRAVEX consolidates its position as the leading travel trade event showcasing the largest contingent of ASEAN destinations, products, and services.

Host country Laos participates with its largest ever contingent at ATF, and aims to meet and create relationships with buyers and the international and regional media. The host committee is excited at the amount of exposure the event has garnered thus far, and expects publicity to continue escalating in the lead-up towards ATF.

Talking about the countryโ€™s progress in tourism development, Mr. Saly Phimpinith, Director General of the Tourism Marketing Department in the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Laos, said: โ€œLaos is constantly improving its service standards in the tourism industry. We have begun to classify hotels and guesthouses and are actively promoting community-based tourism in order to improve the standard of living in remote areas. We are happy to give ATF TRAVEX delegates a glimpse into the beauty of Laos through the pre-show city tours and post-show tours.โ€

The showโ€™s coveted hosted buyer program attracted close to 1,100 registrations, of which only 380 quality buyers were selected for hosting at the event. In addition, more than 50 buyers will attend as non-hosted buyers. Through focused efforts over the past year, the TRAVEX Secretariat has attracted buyers from new countries such as Argentina, Austria, Bangladesh, Ireland, Israel, Laos, Nepal, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, and Taiwan. In all, 57% of buyers are expected to be new at this yearโ€™s event.

Said Mr. Pichai Visutriratana Director of Thailand’s newest DMC, Worldwide Destinations Asia Co., Ltd.: โ€œBeing a Thai DMC, I have seen great business potential in the ASEAN region. ATF TRAVEX, gives me an opportunity to explore my objective of establishing long-term business relations with the participating travel trade professionals from around ASEAN and further afield.โ€

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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