Tourism Industry Convenes in Singapore for ASEAN Tourism Forum 2007

ASEAN Tourism Forum 2007, Singapore, 27 January 2007 – The ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2007 is held at the Raffles City Convention Centre and Suntec International Convention and Exhibition Centre from now till 3 February. Officials from the 10 ASEAN countries are expected to focus their discussions towards strengthening regional integration and collaboration to ensure ASEAN remains competitive and attractive as a destination. ASEAN officials will also hold dialogue and discussions with China, India, Japan and Korea to reinforce tourism cooperation.

Commenting on Singapore’s role as host of ATF 2007, Mr Dayne Lim, Deputy Chairman of the ATF 2007 Host Committee said “Singapore is honoured to host ATF 2007 and to do our part towards required effort in accelerating the integration of tourism services and connectivity in ASEAN, which will help shape the future direction of tourism in the region. We are heartened that more than 1,600 delegates from over 50 countries will be here in Singapore to participate in the various events under the ATF umbrella, and look forward to ensuring that they have a fruitful and memorable stay in Singapore.

ATF 2007 will comprise primarily of the annual meetings of the ASEAN Tourism Ministers and Heads of National Tourism Organisations (NTOs), the annual ASEAN travelmart “TRAVEX” where members of the ASEAN travel industry 1 showcase their latest products to more than 500 international buyers, as well as the ASEAN Tourism Conference, organised by the ASEAN Travel Association (ASEANTA). Besides attending official meetings and TRAVEX, all delegates will be hosted to six themed tour options which will feature some of Singapore’s latest product offerings and popular attractions, among them, clubbing venues, such as St James Power Station, The Cannery and National Museum.

This year’s edition of the ASEAN Tourism Conference puts the spotlight on the youth travel which makes up about 20 percent of the global tourist market1. Increasing yearly by close to five percent2, youth tourism is consistently expanding at a higher rate than the general tourism market3, making it one of the fastest growing travel segments internationally. The highlight of the Conference include presentations by University of Hawaii’s Professor Jim Dator, Director, Hawaii Research Centre for Future Studies on youth tourism in ASEAN, and details on developing and marketing products for the youth market by Robin Yap, Regional Director Asia for Insight Vacations, as well as Director, Contiki Indonesia Resorts.

ATF delegates can also expect a dose of youthful and vibrant Singaporean hospitality as more than 150 Tourism & Resort Management and Business Studies students from local tertiary institution, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, are volunteering their services in various areas at the event. Dr Michael Chiam, senior manager of the TRM course, said, “They feel privileged because the ATF takes place in Singapore only once in 10 years. Our students had already undergone a familiarisation training to prepare them for their roles in helping the delegates by providing support at the airport, during the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as at the media centre.”

WTO Tourism Highlights 2003

Enclosed:

1) Fact Sheet on ATF 2007
2) Photographs of the Meeting of the Special Working Group on ASEAN Tourism Integration, 26 January 2007

About ASEAN TOURISM FORUM
The ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) is a cooperative regional effort to promote the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region as a single 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. Each year, the hosting of ATF is rotated among the ASEAN member countries. Singapore is the host for ATF 2007. The annual forum comprises the meetings of ASEAN Tourism Ministers and industry associations, TRAVEX, the ASEAN Tourism Conference and media briefings. City and regional tours will also be offered to overseas participants.

About ASEAN Tourism Forum 2007
ASEAN Tourism Forum 2007 (ATF 2007) marks the 26th anniversary of this event since its inauguration in Malaysia in 1981. This is the fifth time Singapore is hosting the ATF. Previous staging of ATF in Singapore were in 1994 and 1999. The Singapore Host Committee which leads the various sub-committees for the organisation of ATF 2007, is headed by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), and consists of members from the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS) and Singapore Hotel Association (SHA). For more information, please visit www.atf2007.travel.

For more information, please contact:

Ms Ivy Woo
Member, ATF 2007 Media and Branding Sub-committee
Tel: +65 6831-3664
Email: [email protected]

Ms Sara Chua
Member, ATF 2007 Media and Branding Sub-committee
Tel: +65 6831-3795
Email: [email protected]
You may also contact us on the Media Hotline at +65 9011 2071