Asean Tourism Forum 2018

Asean Tourism Forum – ATF – is one of the most significant annual tourism promotional events in Asia, and is hosted on a rotational basis among the ASEAN member countries. The fair is made up of numerous high-level events, including a meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers, a meeting of the ASEAN NTOs, as well as airline meetings, press briefings, a tourism conference, and the popular Travel Exchange (TRAVEX) trade fair.

Asean Tourism Forum 2018 THEME: ‘ASEAN – SUSTAINABLE CONNECTIVITY, BOUNDLESS PROSPERITY’. This theme reflects the Thai’s government awareness of ASEAN as a community of opportunity and people-centeredness for a better livelihood under the mechanism of sustainable development. By connecting in all aspects, we create the economic and social opportunities for our people, and would lead to reduction of development gap between all member countries.

In addition, the border cities that are being administered to prevent and reduce negative impacts are the consequences of boundless economic connectivity and prosperity.

EVENT VENUE

Asean Tourism Forum 2018 location in Chiang Mai

Asean Tourism Forum will be hosted between 22-26 January, 2018 in Chiang Mai International Exhibition and Convention Centre or CMECC, one of the largest convention and exhibition center in Thailand. With usable space of 60,000 square meters, the centre is perfectly prepared for all type of MICE events at both national and international levels. The main exhibition and convention hall is a large 2-story building with three main services including exhibition halls, convention halls and meeting rooms. 3 interconnected exhibition halls with a combined column free space of 8,000 sqm can accommodate more than 10,000 people with theatre style. Booth can be set up more than 450 booth in the exhibition halls. CMECC provides a large convention hall with 1,700 square meters, 29 various modern designed meeting rooms equipped with auto drop screen, projector and audio system and other supporting facilities.

THAI EXHIBITORS LED THE FIELD AT ASEAN TOURISM FORUM 2017

Thailand had the largest contingent of exhibitors at the 36th ASEAN Tourism Forum 2017 (ATF) held during 16-20 January, 2017, in Singapore.

The total number of 82 Thai exhibitors, mainly hotels, helped Thailand enjoy a dominant presence at the ATF 2017, the region’s first major travel trade event in a year that will mark the 50th anniversary of the founding of the regional grouping.

At the ATF, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) introduced the new campaign “Unique Thai Local Experience”, to be used in 2017 to deliver an innovative and cultural mix to tourists while inviting them to explore these experiences under powerful narratives “Discover Amazing Stories in Amazing Thailand”.

In addition, Thai tourism executives participated in meetings of the ASEAN Tourism Ministers and Heads of NTOs, ASEAN +3, ASEAN +Russia during the event. Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, also addressed a media briefing on 18 January that was followed by the always popular Thai night on 19 January, 2017.

Chiang Mai, host of Asean Tourism Forum 2018

Travel to Thailand from ASEAN countries is growing at record levels, thanks to visa-free policies, growing trade and business contacts, strong marketing campaigns and increased low-cost airline linkages between the various new and emerging destinations.

TAT will also be drumming up support for the next ASEAN Tourism Forum 2018 to be held in Chiang Mai during 22-26 January, 2018.

This will be the 6th ATF to be held in Thailand. Hosting it in Chiang Mai is in line with the national policy to give greater prominence to provincial destinations and highlight Thailand’s linkages with the Greater Mekong Sub-region countries.