It seems that 2016 is the year when the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members depend more on each other for that much coveted tourist arrivals and tourism receipts than ever before. During the recent ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2016 in Manila from 18 until 22 January 2016, Gaya Travel Magazine noticed that more push is being given towards intra-ASEAN travel – besides emphasis on East and South Asia – to offset the decline of arrivals from long-haul markets like North America and Europe due to the challenging global economic climate. The association intends to create more awareness among ASEAN travellers to explore more of the region. On top of that, ASEAN members are also developing inter-country packages such as […]
The recently concluded ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2016, with the theme “One Community For Sustainability” was held on 18-22 January 2016 in Manila, Philippines, involving 2,620 delegates from 74 countries, including those from ASEAN. These delegates comprised representatives from national tourism organisations (NTOs); airlines; inbound tour operators; online travel agencies; hotels; resorts and properties; publications; academe; travel agents; destination management firms (outbound); professional meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) companies; international associations; and media, besides government dignitaries and guests. One of the highlights of ATF is the Travel Exchange (TRAVEX), a series of day-long, one-on-one, business-to-business meetings between foreign buyers and ASEAN sellers of tourism products and services. As a significant component of the ATF programme, TRAVEX centres on a trade-only mart, […]
