Cambodia to host ASEAN Tourism Forum in 2011

Cambodia to host ASEAN Tourism Forum in 2011



by Chhorng Long Heng
Cambodia will host the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) in January in 2011 with expecting to attract hundreds of delegates from state and privates and other stakeholders to attend the event in boosting regional tourism field to be large destination for foreigners under the theme of "ASEAN - A World of Wonders and Diversity", senior tourism officials and experts said on August 18.



“We are proud and honored for Phnom Penh capital to be chosen once again to host ATF. There has been a lot of development in infrastructure and facilities since Phnom Penh first hosted ATF in 2003. Siem Reap province, home of world heritage and the archeological sites, and Preah Sihanouk province, the most beautiful and pristine beach, have been selected for pre- and post-tours,” H.E.Thong Khon said in his message before working group for preparation of the host event.



Cambodia will host ATF 2011 and is all geared up to welcome over 1,600 delegates which includes 400 international buyers and 100 international media, Dr. Thong Khon said, adding that ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) is a cooperative regional effort to promote the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region as one tourist destination. 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 .



“On behalf of the Ministry of Tourism of the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Host Committee of the 30th ASEAN Tourism Forum, it is my great honor and pleasure to extend our cordial invitation to you to participate in the upcoming 30th ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF 2011) to be held at the newly built Diamond Island Convention and Exhibition Center, Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia from 15 to 21 January, 2011 under the theme of "ASEAN - A World of Wonders and Diversity". Dr. Thong Khon and Chairman of ATF 2011 Host Committee said.



He added that as host of ATF 2011, it is my great pleasure to warmly welcome all distinguished delegates and guests to ATF 2011 in Cambodia with our gracious hospitality and we wish you a great success and pleasant stay in Cambodia- Kingdom of Wonder. Each year, the hosting of ATF is rotated among the member countries. ATF 2011 marks the 30th anniversary of this event since its inauguration in Malaysia in 1981.



Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia has appointed TTG Asia Media event organizer for TRAVEX, the Travel Exchange component of the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2011 in Cambodia . This will be the second time TTG organizes TRAVEX for Cambodia ; the first time was in 2003 when Cambodia first hosted ATF.



TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd is the region's leading travel and tourism business information and access provider, as well as a leading organizer and event manager of travel trade shows in Asia, including IT&CMA (Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings Asia), IT&CM China, CTW (Corporate Travel World) Asia-Pacific, ITS (International Travel Show) Thailand 2004 and 2005, Thailand Travel Mart (TTM) Plus 2005.



TTG also has a good track record of organizing the TRAVEX component of ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 1998, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2009 and 2010. It also publishes five titles targeted at distinct sectors of the travel trade: TTG Asia, TTG China, TTG India, TTGmice and TTG-BTmice China . These trade shows and publications provide the best marketing access to Asia-Pacific's travel marketplace, influencers and deciders. Last month, Cambodia hosted the land transport for tourists in greater Mekong sub -region (GMS) to facilitate the administrative and legal procedures for tourists who crossed the border in the region and visa exemption is a core thing that needs to deal for these countries in attraction of the foreigners to see this region.



The ministry is trying to develop more resorts to attract the tourists and attract the investors to expand tourism industry in the country and job creation for local people, and provide benefits for economic revenue,” Keo Phoung, director general of tourism resorts department of tourism ministry told SEAW by phone. Keo added that some tourism investors sometimes created matters because some of them did not follow the contract with development council. That is our concern,” he said, adding that some island in offshore of Sihanouk was granted or rented by the investors from the government to develop but the investors did not process the project. Tourism industry is one of four pillars for economic growth of the country after agriculture, garment sector and construction.

The data from ministry said that in 2010, Cambodia will get about 2.4 million visitors with collecting 1.8 billion US dollars revenue. In 2015, it expected to get 3.5 million foreign tourists with money of $2.8 billion. In 2009, the country gained about 1.5 billion US dollars from tourism industry with 2.16 million foreigners increasing 2 per cent. For the first semester this year, it raised about 12 per cent if comparing with last year standing about one million tourists. On august 18, with support form Australian side, Cambodia strengthened the conservation of Tonel Sap Lake for eco-tourism to protect biodiversity and help poor living there. The ministry created 170 local communities in contribution of new tourism product of Tonle Sap Lake , a largest fresh water lake in region.



Bun Tee, the head of tourism guide association said that generally the number of the tourists arrived here this year is good perspective. “The economic recovery of the world is improved and the visitors also started to make the trip to see other places in country and region, he explained. Eco-tourism is a key for green tourism industry, he noted. Siem reap is home of Angkor wat temple, coastal region like Preah Sihanouk and forest plains of northeastern region of the country, Phnom Penh are still attractive places for foreigners to see. Tourism industry is directly providing money to local people to help poverty reduction,” Tee added.



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