Witerary by Jojie Alcantara (column name in SunStar Davao)
Vietnam is the host country of the 38th ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2019. Held in Ha Long, this country is all ready to create a major and lasting impression on its 1500 delegates. These comprise of ministerial, NTO, official meeting delegates, as well as TRAVEX suppliers from across all 10 ASEAN member states, international buyers and media pools.
ATF TRAVEX, renowned for being the largest and most diverse showcase of ASEAN suppliers, will play witness to ASEAN travel trade industry exhibitors from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam, connecting with hosted buyers and media representatives from around the world.
Vietnamese girl in traditional dress called “ao dai”, in a backdrop of Ha Long Bay.
© Jojie Alcantara
The 3-day ATF TRAVEX 2019, which commences from 16 January till 18 January, will aggregate 75 official sessions with the host country organizing numerous social activities and programs that include pre-and post-show tours in selected tourist attractions, an opening ceremony, a welcome reception and dinner events, a friendly golf game and a farewell party for all ATF delegates.
Another anticipated ATF component is the ASEAN Tourism Conference, where major regional issues are presented and discussed by subject experts and thought leaders. In keeping with the aim of strengthening co-operation among the ASEAN tourism industry’s various sectors, this knowledge platform promotes discussion, exchange of ideas and valuable perspectives to motivate progress among ASEAN stakeholders.
Through its high hospitality and infrastructural standards, Vietnam aims to successfully demonstrate its capabilities and be recognized as one of ASEAN’s most attractive destinations, complete with world-class facilities and services to make an even greater impact on its already impressive touristic appeal.
Vietnam spared no cost in giving all delegates a generous opportunity to experience Ha Long, the Quang Ninh province and other destinations with a total of 15 pre- and post-ATF tours to be held over 4 days. Itineraries include cruises of Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay, Hai Phong City, as well as trips to Yen Tu Mountain and Ninh Binh.
Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Viet Nam, H.E. Nguyen Ngoc Thien, said in a statement, “The people of Quang Ninh province are ready to welcome delegates and guests. We are honored to host ATF and look forward to inviting all visitors to experience the natural beauty and warmth of our people. We are ready to embrace all ASEAN states to drive connectivity and sustainable tourism to Viet Nam and the region as one.”
Vietnam has over 540 tourist destinations and attractions that can be classified as cultural, sea, natural & ecological, and sports & recreation tourism. Among them are 24 world heritage sites. For more information and updates for ATF 2019, visit www.atfvietnam2019.com
Special thanks to partners who have supported me in my trip: PLDT Home for my Fibr connection here at home enabling me quick access to my cloud files anywhere (articles and images) as well as in communication matters; AromacologySensi Philippines, Bioskin and MX3 who have shared proudly Davao products to give away to fellow delegates..
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