ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2022, the annual event which involves all tourism industry sectors of 10 member nations of ASEAN held in Sihanoukville, Cambodia.
ASEAN Nations; Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam have attended ATF with over 600 excellencies, ministers and tourism leaders of ASEAN Member States, leaders of the World Tourism Organization and ASEAN Tourism Association, and international guests.
Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia graced the opening ceremony and presided at the ribbon-cutting of ATF 2022, which took place from 16th to 20th January 2022.
Cambodia is poised to recover their tourism sector amidst this long-drawn pandemic.
As one of the first in-person tourism events in Asia, and in line with the current trend of complementing physical events with a digital experience, National Tourism Organisations (NTOs) who were unable to have a physical presence at ATF 2022 were provided with the opportunity to present to both local and international members of the media. In their destination updates, ASEAN shared their plans to revitalise their tourism sectors through the safe re-opening of their countries, and a myriad of promotional activities.
Mr. Jae Pil Sho, of Travel Press Korea, an international media attendee, remarked: “I was impressed at the fast-testing procedures of the COVID-19 rapid test upon my arrival at the airport, and I felt very comfortable and enjoyed the warm hospitality from both the hotel staff the Organisers.”
The Organisers have also provided delegates with a digital platform to organise additional business appointments with industry colleagues who are not able be physically present at TRAVEX, the annual ASEAN leisure travel trade fair showcasing the latest Southeast Asia travel experiences.
Ms. Olga Terebova from Prodo, an international buyer from Russia, said: “It’s first time at ATF and it was an amazing experience! The flight was quite easy from Moscow to Singapore and then to Phnom Penh. Just 1 hour in the transit zone before the next flight.
So many different exhibitors, so many official delegations, so many activities! I am very grateful to the Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia and all the Organisers to have this chance to participate in the event. I would definitely recommend this event to my colleagues in my country.”
Ms. Santika of PT Bintan Resort Cakrawala, one of ATF’s international sellers thoroughly enjoyed the event. They said: “Everything was very smooth, by the time we arrived at Phnom Penh airport, we were welcomed with warm smiles by local ATF representatives who lead us throughout until the ART test results were out… it was a pleasant journey. Event Organiser MP Singapore has been very helpful and assisted with all the arrangements. All 5 days here was perfect and went smoothly with their assistance.
The Organising Committee has been very responsible to ensure the smooth running of the programme. Kudos to the team with the management of the changes due to the pandemic situation, they still managed it very well. I found the quality of buyers excellent. They are more than ready with their packages to promote our destinations once borders are open. The hybrid concept is also a fresh experience at ATF, and it boosts our exposure more to buyers that can’t physically attend. It is the first physical event since 2020 and we are glad they did it!”
ATF 2022 is hosted by the Ministry Tourism of Cambodia and organised by MP Singapore.
