Joachim Fischer, Bangkok
ATF 2011 TRAVEX recorded strong interest and rapid take-up rate early in its registration process. To date, exhibitors have snapped up more booths than initially expected.This 2011 ASEAN leisure travel trade event showcasing the largest contigent of ASEAN destination products and services will also feature a larger show with 25 % more booths space than last year.
More than 70 % of the 450 available booth space has already been secured by some 240 exhibiting companies from across the 10 ASEAN countries – Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar. Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Buyer registration have also been overwhelming with more than 600 applications received from across the world. Only 400 of the best buyers will be selected to attend the event under a privileged hosting programme.
With regards to the buoyant interest for ATF 2011, Dr. Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism, Cambodia and Permanent Vice-Chairman of ATF 2011 Organizing Committee explains, “ Improving market optimism aside, a significant part of this year´s interest also has to do with the appeal of Cambodia as a destination. International delegates are motivated to experience the country´s rich cultural, natural and historical heritage”.
Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia believes that the country will be represented at the event in a big way this January 2011. More than 800 participants from across Cambodia´s tourism industry gathered for the ATF 2011 event preview at Nagaworld in Pnom Penh on august 2010. The purpose of the preview was to promote, increase awareness and encourage all Cambodian tourism stakeholders to participate at the upcoming ATF 2011. The event preview was presided by His Excellency Dr. Sok An, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister in Charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers and Chairman of ATF 2011 Organizing Committee. The guest list included the country movers and shakers such as top government officials from the various ministries and heads of foreign missions. A large number of hotel owners and general managers were also present.
Scheduled from 19. To 21. January 2011, the three-day ATF 2011 TRAVEX will be held at Phnom Penh´s Diamond Island Convention and Exhibition Center located along the Bassac River. Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia will host the event´s Opening and Closing Ceremony, which promises to be even more spectacular than its 2010 preview.delegates will also be thrilled to network in the company of their fellow industry colleagues and wind down at the end of a business work day at not two but three late night social events organized by Nagaworld, Fairmont, Raffles, Swissotel, TTG Asia and Pattaya City, Sofitel respectively.
More informations on the event´s programme will be made available in the upcoming months. Registrations for exhibitors and buyers are still open online at www.atfcambodia.com
If you have any questions you can also send a mail to Joachim Fischer, editor-in-chief at Tourism-Insider, which will be a Media Partner this year again: j.fischer@tourism-insider.com
