ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2008 Opening Ceremony, Bangkok
22 January 2008
Royal Jubilee, IMPACT
Bangkok Thailand

ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2008 Opening Ceremony, Bangkok

“We are partners rather than competitors.” With these words, Thailand’s Minister for Tourism and Sports Dr Suvit Yodmani marked the opening of the 2008 ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) in Bangkok yesterday. This, he feels, is what is needed for ASEAN countries to attract more tourists to the region.

Dr Yodmani, who is also Chairman of ATF 2008, was speaking to a packed ballroom of delegates made up of his ASEAN counterparts including Singapore’s Minister of State for Trade and Industry Mr S Iswaran, national tourism organisations (NTOs), international media and industry players. His words underscore the theme of this year’s event – synergy of ASEAN towards dynamic unity in diversity.

This diversity was proudly celebrated with elaborate performances by each of the participating countries. Delegates were also treated to a spectacular performance of the Ramayana, involving a cast of no less than 50 actors and dancers.

Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand Mrs Phornsiri Manoharn said this year’s event held special significance as ASEAN had just commemorated its 40th anniversary. It is also the fifth time ATF is being held in Thailand, with about 627 buyers, 586 sellers and more than 200 members of the media in attendance this year.

ATF 2008 will run from 18 to 22 Jan with a series of public sector meetings and TRAVEX, a trade show that brings together buyers and sellers from various ASEAN countries.

Please kindly log onto www.atf2008thailand.com for more information.

Text by Glenn Lim. Photography by Mr. Worapot Pokum. All Rights Reserved.