Brunei, 14 January 2020 – Business activities formally begin today, the first day of ATF 2020 TRAVEX, between top travel and tourism suppliers across all 10 ASEAN destinations – Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam – plus India, and global buyers. Held in conjunction with official meetings by ASEAN NTO, ministerial delegates, association boards and tourism groups that began since 12 January, TRAVEX is ATF’s 3-day Travel Exchange component. The business-led exhibition is dedicated to showcasing ASEAN destination products and services and promoting inbound and intra travel within the region, coupled with structured appointments between ASEAN sellers and buyers from 43 countries including Australia, Azerbaijan, China PR, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Latvia, Macedonia, South Korea, Sweden, Poland, Russia and United States.
“Visit Malaysia 2020 will be featured at ATF 2020 TRAVEX. We are eager to invite all industry players to unite and welcome 30 million tourist to Malaysia through the focus on sustainability tourism, arts and culture.” Commented Mr Noran Bin Ujang, Director of International Promotion – South East Asia of Tourism Malaysia.
Said Kyaw Pyay Oo, Managing Director of Asian Tour Co., Ltd., Myanmar, “Our purpose for attending ATF 2020 is to seek partnerships with adventure and incentive travel suppliers, DMCs, green product & service providers and establish connections with hotels and resorts and travel management companies.”
Among this year’s event highlights is today’s business speed-dating segment – a newly-added feature to the TRAVEX programme – provided plenty of opportunity for delegates to build their lead generation network ahead of exhibition and appointment days that commence on 15 and 16 January.
To optimise on-site efficiency, all exhibitors and buyers were able to schedule up to 100% of their appointments prior to arriving in Brunei.
Also debuting at this year’s ATF TRAVEX is Singapore Tourism Board’s (STB) Campfire Sessions focusing on Muslim Travel, taking place tomorrow morning and afternoon at the Singapore-branded Buyers Lounge within the exhibition hall. Co-Founder of Have Halal, Will Travel, Mr Mikhail Melvin Goh and Chief Executive of CrescentRating & Halaltrip, Mr Fazal Bahardeen will be touching on topics spotlighting Singapore as a Muslim-friendly travel destination, as well Muslim-Travel trends, alongside moderator Ms Dawn Ng, STB’s Area Director of Malaysia & Brunei.
Anticipated networking highlights encompass luncheons by Tourism Malaysia and Tourism Promotions Board, Philippines and reception and dinner by Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia. Host Country, Brunei Darussalam will also be leading numerous functions such as luncheons for buyers and media, as well as the Opening ceremony and welcome dinner for all delegates taking place on 14 January evening.
Complimentary pre-show tours of Brunei on 13 and 14 January provided delegates an insight into Brunei’s abode of peace. Post-TRAVEX days, the experience continues beyond the show floor with charming optional tour itineraries such as a cruise along Brunei River or outdoor adventures at the Ulu Temburong National Park from 17 January onwards.
More than 109 international and local media representatives are also in attendance to cover the latest insights and first-hand destination developments by all 10 National Tourism Organisations and ASEAN Secretariat through the media briefings starting from 14 January.
Said Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, Brunei, Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Apong, “As we look towards the next decade of a more prosperous and relevant ASEAN, member states must continue to collectively innovate and seek meaningful initiatives to increase tourism growth while retaining the heritage, tradition and identity that make us unique for future generations. This 2020, with Brunei Darussalam hosting the ATF, we welcome you to explore a country where you can trek into unspoilt rainforests and experience the tranquil beauty of our lush greenery, as well as dive amongst abundant coral reefs and historic shipwrecks. Your Bruneian adventure awaits!”
About ATF 2020
ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) is a cooperative regional effort to promote the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region as one tourist destination. ATF TRAVEX is the longest-running annual ASEAN leisure travel trade event, showcasing the largest contingent of ASEAN sellers. This annual event involves all the tourism industry sectors of the 10 ASEAN Member Nations: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam.
Each year, the hosting of ATF is rotated among the member countries. Brunei Darussalam will host ATF 2020. ATF 2020 marks the 39 th anniversary of this event since its inauguration in Malaysia in 1981.
2020 TRAVEX Dates: 14 to 16 January 2020
Venue: BRIDEX International Conference Centre
