Pre-TRAVEX registration statistics reveal robust ATF 2012 event

MANADO, Indonesia – The newly-constructed Golden Kawanua Exhibition Hall, the venue for ATF 2012 TRAVEX, is geared up to welcome over 1,400 TRAVEX delegates to Manado next week.

Pre-TRAVEX registration statistics indicate that close to 1,000 exhibitors, 390 buyers, and more than 100 media delegates will fill the exhibition venue during the event. Representing quality travel trade and tourism organizations from across the world, these delegates will avail of business, learning, and networking opportunities over the three action-packed days of ATF TRAVEX from January 13-15.

The exhibitor delegation will feature some 438 booths represented by 390 companies and properties across the 10 ASEAN countries. Host country Indonesia, along with Thailand, form the two largest national contingents with 112 and 92 exhibition booths, respectively. Corporate exhibitors are also participating in a big way with some 65 exhibition booths.

Destination ASEAN’s growing reach and popularity is evidenced by buyer participation from 4 new countries this year: Bulgaria, Egypt, Kuwait, and New Zealand. Asia-Pacific strongly displays its purchasing power, with 48 percent of buyers hailing from the region. This is followed by 37.6 percent of the buyers representing Europe.

The event continues to draw the attention of international media as well. This year, media from 36 countries across the globe including first-time participants Bahrain and Indonesia, will cover ATF 2012, thus strengthening the event’s reputation as the best platform for ASEAN exhibitors to showcase their products and services.

The learning component of the event, ASEAN Tourism Conference (ATC), continues to stay relevant to the industry with this year’s theme, “ASEAN Goes Green.” To be held on January 13 from 0900 to 1200 hours, the conference will feature respected speakers from the industry. They are:

Keynote Speaker: Mr. Taleb D. Rifai, Secretary General of UNWTO

Speakers:
- Dr. Andy Nazarechuk, President of Asia-Pacific CHRIE
- Mr. Martin Craigs, CEO of PATA
- Mr. Tatsuro Nakamura, Senior Executive Director of the Board of JATA
- Mr. Jim Boyles, GM of Melia, Bali

The speakers will share the latest information and insights on the region’s constant efforts towards sustainable and eco-conscious tourism.

All ATF TRAVEX delegates can also look forward to a comprehensive array of networking and leisure activities, beginning with the complimentary city tours and friendly golf game on January 12 before official TRAVEX days begin. Hosted lunches, dinners, and late night events will commence from January 12 onwards.

For more information and program updates on ATF 2012, visit www.atfindonesia.com .