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L-2 Travel & Tourism Sunday, February 20, 2011

Cambodia Successfully Hosts


ASEAN TOURISM FORUM 2011

of ATF 2011 Organizing Committee),


Text and Photos by delegates were treated to a 30-minute
Jojie Alcantara spectacular fireworks display, and a
fascinating cultural extravaganza of

A
SEAN TOURISM 500 performers amidst pyrotechnics,
FORUM (ATF) 2011 set in an open area by the riverside.
launched its opening A stunning sunset and full moon en-
ceremony in Cambo- hanced the wonderful scene.
dia (dubbed Kingdom Occupying a huge exhibition area
of Wonder), and was hosted by the of 8,430 sqm, the ATF TRAVEX – a
Ministry of Cambodia on January 18 three-day travel trade-only exhibition
at the Diamond Island Convention and business meetings platform – fea-
and Exhibition Centre in Phnom tured 518 booths from 434 exhibiting
Penh. The week long event welcomed companies of 10 ASEAN countries.
over 1,600 heads of National Tourist International buyers with a keen
Organizations (NTOs), Tourism Min- interest to buy destinations, products
isters, travel suppliers, international and services were ready to do busi-
Philippine delegates to the Asean Tourism Forum in Cambodia
buyers, media and other tourism pro- ness and source at this annual leisure
fessionals from around the world. travel trade event, showcasing the
After welcoming speeches by largest contingent of ASEAN sellers, league Ian Garcia (M Magazine and developments taking place across 10 destination, ATF is an annual event
Kingdom of Cambodia’s Prime Minis- from small to large suppliers. Mindanao Times) and I, who travelled ASEAN destinations through dedi- involving the tourism industry sec-
ter Samdech Akka Sena Padei Techo Philippine Secretary of Tourism along with DOT XI Regional Director cated media briefings, showcasing tors of 10 member nations of ASEAN:
Hun Sen, Deputy Prime Minister Alberto Lim was among several Art Boncato. travel attractions. Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indo-
H.E. Dr. Sok An, (Minister in Charge delegates of Filipinos who attended, ATF 2011 became a widely pub- Exciting networking opportunities nesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar,
of the Office of the Council of Minis- including travel agents and resort licized event by both trade and were offered to buyers and hosted Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and
ters and Chairman of the Organizing operators. We bonded together over consumer media, with 148 media media delegates through pre-event Vietnam.
Committee for ATF 2011) and H.E. hosted lunch, dinners, and at the delegates from across 32 countries city tours of Phnom Penh, highlight- Each year, the hosting of ATF is
Mr. Thong Khon (Minister of Tour- Travex exhibition booth. The Phil- in attendance. We received first-hand ing the city’s wonderful attractions rotated among the member countries.
ism, and Permanent Vice-Chairman ippine media comprised of my col- information on the latest updates and which include The Royal Palace, ATF 2011 marks the 30th anniversary
National Museum of Cambodia, Tuol of this event since its inauguration in
Sleng Museum (S-21 Prison), Toul Malaysia in 1981. This year’s theme
ATF 2011 Opening Tum Poung Market, Phsar Thmey was “ASEAN, A World of Wonders and
Ceremony by performers in (Central Market) and Wat Phnom Diversity”. ASEAN Tourism Forum
Phnom Penh Cambodia
Daun Penh. Post event tours were 2011 with the ATF TRAVEX (Jan. 19-
also given at a discounted rate to 21) was held from 15 to 21 January
Sihanoukville and Siem Reap, home 2011 at Diamond Island Convention
to the ancient Angkor Wat. and Exhibition Center in Phnom
Delegates were treated to a wide Penh, Cambodia. Manado, Indonesia
range of networking activities over is now preparing to host ATF 2012.
the next few days, including friendly Special thanks to the following
golf, hosted luncheons and dinners who made my trip fun in more ways
by Cambodia Angkor Air, Ministry of than one: Cebu Pacific Air (Davao–
Culture and Tourism of the Republic Manila-Saigon connecting flight),
of Indonesia, Bangkok Airways, Tour- DOT XI and Director Art Boncato,
ism Malaysia and Ministry of Tour- Nino Carandang and Western Digital
ism. Late night functions at Raffles (all my precious 20gb worth of images
Hotel Le Royal and Sofitel Phnom throughout the trip stored in my new
Penh Phokeethra gave them a chance 1Tb passport!), NCCC, Mayor Sara
to relax and party after a hectic day. Duterte, Mayor Michelle Rabat of
A cooperative regional effort to Mati, and Miss Gina Espejo for the
promote the Association of Southeast MX3 capsules which I regularly take
Asian Nations (ASEAN) as one tourist to energize me after the long haul.

(Jojie Alcantara is a writer,


photographer and artist based in Davao
City. Exploring unknown islands in
the archipelago armed with her Canon
cameras and asthma inhalers, her
fascination keeps her rooted to her
country and wishes everyone can see its
stunning beauty from her perspective.
She shares her skills through workshops,
publications, exhibits and contributing
materials for Mindanao tourism. View
her photos and articles on www.pbase.
com/jojie_alcantara)

Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers

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