Hosting Programme Attracts Quality Buyers from ASEAN and Across the World.

Over 1,000 exhibitors from across ASEAN have snapped up more than 460 booths at ATF TRAVEX 2013. This strong exhibitor line-up, which is 40 per cent 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 per cent 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.

Ms. Hera Adiwikarta, Corporate Director of Sales at Santika Indonesia Hotels & Resorts said, “When we were at ATF last year we had about 30 hotels. This year we have close to 50 hotels in Indonesia alone. We want to generate business from potential wholesalers or travel agents for our rapidly expanding business, and look forward to meeting buyers from ASEAN,Eastern Europe,China and US at ATF 2013.”

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. International media registrations have also hit the 170 mark.

Talking about the country’s progress in tourism development, Mr. Saly Phimpinith, Director-General of Tourism Marketing Department in the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Laos said, “Laos 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.”

Hosted Buyer Programme

The show’s coveted hosted buyer programme attracted close to 1,100 registrations, of which only some 380 quality buyers will be 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 per cent of buyers are expected to be new at this year’s event.

Mr. Umesh Rimal, Executive Director of Paradise Tours & Travels, Nepal said, “Being a Nepalese travel agent for 30 years, I have seen great business potential in the ASEAN region. ATF TRAVEX, unlike other events, gives me an opportunity to explore my objective of establishing long term business relations with the participating travel trade professionals from around ASEAN.”

Ms. Eva Klejmova, Director of J&T Concierge,Czech Republic said, “Nowadays, our clients are looking more towards experiential travel and ATF Laos is a good opportunity to extend our portfolio of suppliers. We are eager to promote new places, find exclusive properties and deliver new and unique experiences. I believe that at ATF Laos I will meet like-minded, passionate individuals who share the same drive to create authentic and genuine travel experiences for increasingly knowledgeable and demanding clientele.”

City Tours and Post-Show Tours

The host committee has crafted tours to give delegates an authentic experience of Vientiane and other popular destinations in Laos. Three city tours around Vientiane and Buddha Park will give visitors an insight into the history of the capital city. The post-show tours will take delegates on 3 Days – 2 Nights trips to two of the most celebrated and beautiful locations in the country, Luang Prabang and Pakse/ Khong. Registrations to the tours are filling fast as delegates sign up in large numbers.

ASEAN Tourism Conference (ATC)

In keeping with the ASEAN region’s consistent efforts to promote sustainable tourism, the theme for ATC 2013 is ‘Road Map for ASEAN: Fostering Sustainable Growth, Promoting Eco Tourism.’ The keynote address will be delivered by PATA Foundation Chairman, Mr. Mario Hardy, who has been an active member of PATA since 2009. PATA Foundation’s mission is to contribute to the sustainable and responsible development of travel and tourism in Asia Pacific through the protection of the environment, the conservation of heritage and support for education.

For more information, programme updates and to register for ATF 2013, visit www.atflaos.com

Source: ATF