The 35th instalment of the ASEAN Travel Forum (ATF) returns to the Philippines in January this year with the theme for #ATF2016 being ‘One Community for Sustainability’.
Host city Manila – the country’s capital of fun and gateway to the rest of the Philippines –will play host to some 1,600 international delegates including ministerial officials, exhibitors, buyers, media and other travel industry professionals from some 50 countries for the week-long event. ATF is set to showcase products and services from over 40 destinations across the 10 ASEAN (Association of South-East Asian Nations) countries, with a representation of more than 450 exhibition booths on the show floor. Host Philippines is showcasing 13 regions from across the country.
Manila’s Entertainment City will be home to key ATF activities including the three-day TRAVEX travel trade mart from 20 to 22 January 2016, held at the SMX Convention Centre Manila. This gaming and entertainment district is one of Manila’s latest attractions, and features the capital’s premier SMX Convention Center and a selection of the World’s top hospitality brands such as Conrad, City of Dreams, Solaire and Resorts World, conveniently located within walking distance of one another. The Manila Eye, a gigantic ferris wheel observatory is also part of the district’s iconic landscape.
Some 100 hosted media from around the world will join 75 local media from the Philippines to cover the latest travel developments that the region has to offer. These media include editors, journalists, and publishers from travel publications, travel bloggers and TV producers. Official media sessions include the tourism ministers’ press conference and media briefings by all 10 ASEAN countries.
Says Ramon R. Jimenez Jr., Secretary of Tourism, Philippines, “The Department of Tourism (DOT) is honored and proud of the Philippines’ hosting of ATF 2016. With the theme, One Community for Sustainability, the 35th edition of this forum will launch the new ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan (ATSP) 2016 – 2020, which will work towards not only the development and growth of the region’s tourism, but also in ensuring that this growth is grounded on responsible, sustainable, and inclusive tourism.”
“To all the delegates, we welcome you to our home, the Philippines. We hope that beyond the conference walls of this meeting, you experience our country in in different ways—from our diverse natural wonders to our rich cultural heritage and the warmth of the Filipino people. And while this forum will allow for the exchange of ideas for the progress of our economies, we also hope that these meetings will build stronger friendships between our nations.”
“Thank you, and Mabuhay!”
About the Philippines:
The Philippines is an irresistible package of old-world charm and modernity, with its world-class facilities interwoven into long-standing cultural and historical traditions. Surrounded by the warm waters of the West Philippine Sea and the Pacific Ocean, the country boasts of countless attractions – from sun-drenched, white sand beaches fringed with swaying coconut palm trees, to cascading waterfalls and thrilling rapids; and from sophisticated entertainment in its five-star facilities, to its gracious centuries-old culture, where the fiesta reigns supreme. This festive archipelago of 7,107 delightful islands is home to one of the most fun-loving people on Earth, whose traditions of warm hospitality welcomes visitors to a rich diverse nation where color, beauty and excitement are never far away.
Must dos while in the Philippines:
Manila
• Walking tour of Intramuros
• Rizal Park
• Manila Bay sunset cruise
• Malacanang Palace
Province of Albay
• Green Lane highlighting eco-tourism focusing on natural resources and nature formations
• Blue Lane highlighting eco-nautical tourism
• Brown Lane highlighting indigenous products, processes and services
• Gold Lane highlighting tangible and intangible Heritage
Bohol
• Explore the world-famous Chocolate Hills
• See one of the world’s smallest primates – the Tarsier
• Enjoy pristine white beaches
• Dine on-board the floating restaurant while cruising Loboc River
Puerto Princesa City
• Sabang Package Experience highlighting the new 7 Wonders of Nature
• Island-hopping at Honda Bay
• City Tour Combo highlighting historical, shopping and adventure trails
