Singapore ready to Host ASEAN’s Largest Tourism Showcase in 2007

Singapore will host more than 1,600 participants including tourism government officials, travel industry professionals and international media at the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) happening next year from 26 January to 3 February 2007.

Now into its 26th year, the ATF is the largest tourism showcase for ASEAN. The annual forum comprises the meetings of the ASEAN Tourism Ministers, Heads of National Tourism Organisations (NTOs) and industry associations, the travel mart - TRAVEX and the ASEAN Tourism Conference.

Mr. Dayne Lim, Coordinating Regional Director (International Group), Singapore Tourism Board and Deputy Chairman of the ATF 2007 Singapore Host Committee said, “We are very excited to host ATF 2007, especially with ASEAN celebrating its 40th anniversary next year. ATF 2007 also offers an excellent opportunity to showcase Singapore as a compelling, must-visit destination. Over the recent years, Singapore has undergone many changes that has made it an even more vibrant and attractive destination. We look forward to welcoming ATF 2007 participants to enjoy a memorable and enriching experience in Uniquely Singapore.”

During their stay in Singapore, ATF 2007 participants can take the opportunity to experience first hand Singapore’s new attractions and unique lifestyle offerings including the 1.1 million square feet Vivocity, St. James Power Station comprising nine entertainment outlets, the trendy Singapore River which is currently being redeveloped into an iconic riverfront and 24 hour precinct as well as the Chinese New Year light-up tour.

With two months to go, the TRAVEX at ATF 2007 has already seen some 1,400 buyers and sellers from 50 countries confirmed their participation. The trade-only event will be held at SUNTEC Singapore.

Commenting on the participation for this year’s TRAVEX Mr. Lim said, “We are pleased to see such a strong interest this year from both sellers and buyers. For the sellers, it goes to show how important the ATF is as a platform to showcase the diversity of ASEAN’s tourism product offerings to an international audience. For the buyers, we are seeing more participation from those outside ASEAN – an indication of the region’s collective attractiveness as a destination to visitors from outside ASEAN.”

In 2005, 28 million visitors from outside ASEAN visited the region. This is a 4.2% increase over 2004, contributing to about 55% of total arrivals into ASEAN and demonstrating ASEAN’s continued draw as a destination to visitors from outside the region.

Mr Robert Khoo, Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Travel Agents of Singapore (NATAS) and member of the ATF Singapore Host Committee added, “ASEAN is a very appealing destination for the global market. We are seeing strong interest at ATF 2007 not just from regional markets, but also long-haul markets such as Germany, UK and USA. The TRAVEX 2007 Secretariat is still receiving enquiries from trade members and is expecting registration to climb further.”

The TRAVEX halls at Suntec Singapore span over 10,600 square meters and so far, 95% of the 500 booths have already been booked.

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