The annual ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) is a co-operative regional effort to promote the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region as one tourist destination, where Southeast Asian hospitality and cultural diversity are at its best. This year’s event opens in Malaysia’s Kuching, Sarawak and 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 Viet Nam.
Each year, the hosting of ATF is rotated among the member countries. ATF 2014 marks the 33rd anniversary of this event since its inauguration in Malaysia in 1981. The country and its host city Kuching, Sarawak is all geared up to welcome over 1,600 delegates which includes some 150 ASEAN tourism ministers and officials, 500 ASEAN exhibitors, 500 international buyers, 100 international and local media as well as 100 tourism trade visitors.
On behalf of the Government of Malaysia, H.E. Mohamed Nazri Bin Abdul Aziz, Minister of Tourism and Culture, would like to welcome you to Malaysia for the upcoming ASEAN Tourism Forum 2014, to be held in Kuching, Sarawak from 16 to 23 January 2014.
Adopting the theme “ASEAN – ADVANCING TOURISM TOGETHER,” the important ASEAN Tourism Forum 2014 will explore the sustainable development of tourism and look at how our tourism initiatives and plans can further support this decade’s mantra of “Tourism conserves and preserves and protects.” The ASEAN Tourism Forum 2014 in Kuching, Sarawak, will be a timely platform to think and act on implementing innovative and sustainable energy initiatives that will ensure the preservation of our natural environment for future generations.
Home to the oldest tropical rainforest on earth, believed to be millions of years old, Malaysia is the perfect place for such a discussion! With a rich cultural heritage, well-preserved natural attractions and the UNESCO World Heritage listing for the Gunung Mulu National Park, it is an apt venue for delegates to discuss pertinent issues of balancing tourism development and environmental protection, while enjoying the very fruits that such an environment creates.
With 2014 being a Visit Malaysia Year, this would be a great time to explore all that the country has to offer. With your active participation in the event, it is strongly believed that ASEAN Tourism Forum 2014 in Kuching, Sarawak will boost ASEAN co-operation in tourism, subsequently ensuring a more robust and exciting tourism year for ASEAN countries.
Finally, next year’s ATF 2015 will be in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar