The 2014 Asean Tourism Forum (ATF) has kicked off in Kuching, Malaysia. The week-long event will involve over 1,600 delegates, including 879 sellers from Asean countries.
Adopting the theme "Asean - Advancing Tourism Together", the aim of ATF is to project Asean as an attractive, multi-faceted single destination; increasing awareness of the region as a competitive tourist destination; promoting intra-ASEAN travel; and strengthening cooperation between various sectors of the Asean tourism industry.
Over the next week, delegates from all over the region will be meeting to discuss ways in which tourism in the Asean region can be developed. Some of the highlights of the forum include:
- Discussing ongoing development of the Asean open sky policy
- Recognition of hotels that have contributed to green initiatives
- Increased cooperation in facing common regional challenges
- Updates on relevant news
As part of the forum, National Tourism Organisations from all of the present Asean countries have been allocated a slot in the event's timetable to address all local and foreign travel trade media on developments.
A total of 86 hotels were awarded the Asean Green Hotel Award 2014 at ATF. The award ceremony, now in its seventh year, is held bi-annually in conjunction with the show, and is valid for two years.
The six Asean Tourism standards include: spa service; public toilet; home stay; clean tourist city; and tourism security and security guidelines. The Asean Green Hotel Award recognises those who have complied with the governing body's standards of green and sustainable practices and energy conservation measures.
Amongst the 86 hotels that won the award, 10 were based in Malaysia, with two located in Sarawak: namely Riverside Majestic Hotel, Kuching and Miri Marriott Resort and Spa.
Business Traveller Asia-Pacific is attending ATF, and will provide up-to-date news on all of its latest developments.
For more information, visit www.atf-malaysia.com
Clement Huang
