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 ASEANdestinations,
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%
of buyers are expected to be new at this year’s event.
Said
Mr. Umesh Rimal, Executive Director of Paradise Tours & Travels,
Nepal, “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 tradeprofessionals 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 populardestinations 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.
