ATF 2001 draws long-haul buyers

The ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) in Brunei in January 2001 is drawing more long-haul buyer interest than anticipated. With up to 400 hosted buyers projected, some 370 validation forms have been received to date from buyers wishing to attend the Travel Exchange (TRAVEX), which is the main event at ATF.

ATF 2001 Senior Project Manager, Ms Melinda Mak, said: "There has been good response from Europe and America. About two-thirds of applicants are from these continents. Many buyers who have not attended ATF before are also inquiring about coming to Brunei for the show. Applications are being processed and those who meet the qualification criteria will be sent invitations and registration forms. So far, w already have 208 confirmed buyers."

The take-up rate for exhibition space is also strong. Suppliers of Southeast Asian tourism products and services have booked 85 per cent of the 400 exhibiting booths available and a full house is expected soon. This will ensure that buyers at TRAVEX, a trade-only exhibition, are able to see and assess the wide range of quality options that the region offers.

Online registration is available for buyers, sellers and media. Inquiries and applications have grown considerably since the ATF website https://www.atf2001.com went "live" in August. The interactive website contains information and pictures, so visitors can have a "virtual tour" of ATF 2001 and Brunei, including side-trips before and after the tradeshow. The complimentary city tour, for instance, has generated much interest and will be run twice daily from 10 to 13 January.

ATF has several components stretching over a week. It starts with series of meetings among the national tourism organisations and tourism ministers. His Majesty, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei will officiate at the ATF 2001 opening ceremony at Jerudong Amphitheatre on 13 January.

The ASEAN Tourism Conference (ATC) follows the next morning, with the theme being "The Pinnacle of Tourism Excellence". TRAVEX gets underway at the International Convention Centre the same afternoon with on-site appointment scheduling to fill any vacant slots that have not been pre-assigned and business sessions will take two full days, 15 and 16 January.

ATF 2001 is jointly organised by Brunei Tourism, Brunei Association of Travel Agents and TTG Asia, which has been appointed to organise and manage TRAVEX. The Brunei Association of Hotels and Royal Brunei Airlines are also giving full support to the event as members of the Brunei Host Committee. Altogether, up to 1,500 delegates could be in Bandar Seri Begawan for the weeklong programme of events and activities revolving around ATF.

Haji Mohd Tali Haji Abdul Rahman, Head of the Tourism Development Unit at Brunei Tourism, said: "Preparations for ATF 2001 are ongoing. The various committees are working on details. The ground and accommodation -committees, for instance, are busy putting everything together to ensure the smooth operation and success of ATF 2001."

"Everybody is excited and ready to welcome delegates with the best of our hospitality, and also to showcase our ‘unexpected treasures’. With the recent opening of our major resort hotel, The Empire Resort & Country Club, visitors will find a welcome filled with unique events, activities and attractions."