Strong Early Interest for ATF 2013 in Vientiane, Laos

[HD video below] Laos is preparing to host the 32nd installment of ATF in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, from 17 to 24 January.

The ATF Travex 2013 will take place from 22 to 24 January at the Laos International Trade Exhibition and Convention Centre (Laos ITECC), one of the most prestigious shopping and recreational centres in Vientiane.

With eight months to go, the event has already reported sales of more than 140 booths and buyer registrations have hit a record high of 310 registrations, 40% more than compared to the same time last year. Some 70 leading international media have also registered early.

The ASEAN Tourism Conference (ATC) – the educational component of ATF – will feature sessions by industry veterans, which will engage the audience through presentations and panel discussions on the major trends, and issues affecting ASEAN tourism today.

The social and networking events at ATF will also offer delegates the opportunity to create new contacts within the industry in relaxed and unique settings such as the popular golf game, late night functions or the hosted luncheons and dinners.

In a statement to the Travex secretariat, Professor Dr. Bosengkham Vongdara, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Laos said, “This is an exciting time for Laos’ tourism industry and we are honoured to host ATF 2013. Since we last hosted ATF nine years ago, Laos has grown in infrastructure and facilities. Through ATF, we will do our best to contribute to strengthen and build an ASEAN community by 2015, as adopted and promoted at ASEAN summits by the region’s leaders.”

Mr. Saly Phimphinith, Director-General, Tourism Marketing Department at the ministry, added, “We are adding about 300 rooms this year to our existing capacity of about 3,000. We also wish to give ATF Travex delegates a glimpse of this simply beautiful country through the pre-show city tours and post-show tours.”

This is the second time that Vientiane will be hosting the event.

Interview with Mr Saly Phimphinith Director-General Tourism Marketing Department Laos at ASEAN Tourism Forum 2012 in Manado, Indonesia

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