According to the UNWTO the Asean countries are the growing destinations for tourists from around the world. Asean continues to remain an attractive destination for both regional and international tourists as it recorded 90.2 million tourists in 2013, a 12 per cent increase over the 2012 figure. Asean tourism ministers gathered at ATF in Kuching, Malaysia, also welcomed the good progress to date in the implementation of the Asean Tourism Strategic Plan 2011-2015, noting that 75 per cent of the measures for 2013 had been duly completed.

International tourist arrivals grew by 5% in 2013, reaching a record 1,087 million arrivals, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. Despite global economic challenges, international tourism results were well above expectations, with an additional 52 million international tourists travelling the world in 2013. For 2014, UNWTO forecasts 4% to 4.5% growth – again, above the long term projections.

GSAR Marketing congratulates Lic. Luis Felipe Nuño, Promotion Director of Guadalajara’s CVB, for being awarded with the “Ramon Alvarez in Memoriam” prize, from Excelencias Awards, for his brilliant professional career and contribution to MICE tourism development in Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico.

The 11th International Conference „Fuels of the Future“, commencing today in Berlin, is for the first time addressing alternative aviation fuels. With more than 500 participants the leading event of the German biofuel industry is the showcase for feedstock developments, innovative technology and new markets.

PATA’s five-year tourism forecasts also previewed by ASEAN Ministers and NTOs. The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has announced a new campaign with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) entitled, “PATA Loves ASEAN.” The main pillar of the initiative is a US$300,000 advertising campaign on the Travel Channel to promote responsible ASEAN tourism experiences.

Thailand at the ATF 2014 Kuching, Malaysia.
Visitor arrivals from the ASEAN countries to Thailand are expected to grow further as a result of strong Thai participation in the 33rd ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) now under way in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia between 16 – 23 January 2014.
The annual gathering of high-level ASEAN tourism public and private sector officials, airlines and hundreds of buyers and sellers of ASEAN tourism products is designed to showcase the best of ASEAN and implement plans and strategies for the future.