Vietnam ready to host ASEAN Tourism Forum 2019

 

Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam and the northeastern province of Quang Ninh in particular are ready to host the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2019 (ATF 2019), which will take place in Ha Long city from January 14-18.

The statement was made by Le Quang Tung, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism at a press conference in Hanoi on January 9.

Vietnam first hosted the ATF 10 years ago and this year’s edition is set to open opportunities for cooperation and promote the beauty of the people, countries and cultures in the region to international friends, he said.

“ATF 2019 is the bridge that enhances ASEAN’s geopolitical position and its partners through bilateral and multilateral dialogues,” he noted.

With the theme of “ASEAN – The Power of One”, the forum is in line with ASEAN cooperation, towards a “One Vision, One Identity, One Community” bloc.

Vietnam has become a dynamic and prominent tourist destination that attracts visitors with its special values in culture and history, beautiful natural sceneries, friendly and hospitable people. In the ASEAN community, Vietnam’s tourism is closely linked with other member countries, aiming at prosperity and sustainable development, he said.

Tung affirmed that it is a chance for Vietnam to enhance its position in regional tourism cooperation and introduce its huge potential.

The ATF, established in 1981, is a regional effort to promote ASEAN as one tourist destination. The annual event involves all the tourism industry sectors of the 10 member states.

This year, the event will also include India, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Russia and China.

“Through the activities of the ATF, we will promote the common beauty of member country and each nation’s identity,” said Tung.

The ATF will boost ASEAN countries as a single, multifaceted destination, and a competitive and attractive tourist destination.

Its main activities include the ASEAN Tourism Ministers Meetings, ASEAN Tourism Conference, Travel Exchange (TRAVEX) and tours discovering UNESCO-recognised world natural heritage Ha Long Bay and neighbouring destinations.

During the forum, delegates will discuss some problems of the regional tourism such as human resources development, competitiveness improvement, sustainable tourism development, and investment attraction in tourism, Tung said.

TRAVEX is set to take place on January 16-18, providing a platform for selling and buying regional and individual tourism products. It aims to make it convenient for suppliers of ASEAN tourism products and services and international buyers to conduct business and meet participants through appointment on-site. The event is expected to draw 290 buyers and 610 sellers.

In addition, to mark the occasion, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism will work with the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) to release a book entitled “Tourism Stories in Vietnam” in Vietnamese and English.-VNA