Philippines hosts Asean Tourism Forum (ATF) 2016

DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez joins other ASEAN Tourism Ministers in a ceremonial launch of Cruise Southeast Asia 

The Asean Tourism Forum (ATF) 2016 which gathered all the member countries’ tourism sector representatives, showcased the ASEAN region as a prime tourist destination. 

The Philippines played host to 10 ASEAN member nations for the biggest regional event in the travel industry this year with the theme ‘One Community for Sustainability.’

ATF 2016 aimed to project ASEAN as a beautiful and versatile single destination that will attract more tourists and strengthen ties among the various sectors of the ASEAN tourism industry. 

Joining the annual event were the tourism representatives of the 10 member nations including Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. 

Organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT), TTG Asia, the Asean Tourism Association (ASEANTA) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the forum also gave the Philippines the opportunity to highlight the Visit the Philippines Again (VPA) 2016 campaign which aims to entice local and international travelers to visit and experience the country all over again.

DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. 

Welcoming guests were DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. together with TPB COO Domingo Ramon Enerio III. Also joining the event were 35 VIPs from the member nations.

(L-R) TPB COO Domingo Ramon Enerio III, Congressman Rene Relampagos and Congressman Dakila Carlo Cua 

(L-R) Warren Palacios, Soleil Tropicales, DOT Undersecretary Benito Bengzon, Jr. and Erwin Balane 

 

(L-R) Butch Garcia (PICC), Darren Ng (TTG) and Joselito Gregorio (TPB) 

Peng Ee Ooi (TTG), TPB’s Susan Del Mundo and Arnold Gonzales 

 

(L-R) TPB Board members Margarita Villarica and Edwin Vincent Ortiz, Pamela Pascual (WTC) and Margarita Munsayac 

(L-R) Elton See Tan (Intl SKAL Manila), PATA CEO Mario Hardy, Helen Marano (WTTC), Anita Mendiratta (CNN) and Jae Pil Sho
“Hosting the ATF 2016 was such a proud moment for all of us. Beyond the conference walls of the meeting, the delegates experienced our country in different ways—from our diverse natural wonders to our rich cultural heritage and the warmth of the Filipino people. The forum allowed the exchange of ideas for the progress of the ASEAN economies, and built stronger friendships between the nations,” shares Jimenez.
 “We were honored to have hosted one of the biggest travel events in the ASEAN region, the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2016. We gave our best to ensure the success of this event, but most importantly, we made sure that our delegates had a great and memorable experience in the country,” Enerio said.