MANILA, Philippines – Philippines, the host of the 35th ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2016 in Manila, pulled out all stops to make an impression on the 2,620 delegates comprising of ministerial and NTO delegates, as well as Travex suppliers from across ASEAN, international buyers and media.

ATF Travex saw 1,000 exhibitors connect with 457 buyers from around the world, alongside 175 international and local media. 500 of these delegates have been hosted.

The 3-day ATF Travex 2016 was held from 21 – 22 January, aggregated 70 official sessions and the ATF Travex exhibition showcased 175 exhibitors from across the Philippines, a country with massive, almost untapped tourism potential.

One of the Philippine Host Committee’s most anticipated highlights was 10 post-ATF tours that run from 23 to 26 January to celebrated spots in the Philippines. The list of tours offered included Ilocos: UNESCO World Heritage Tour; Cordillera Heritage Tour, Southern Luzon’s Heritage, Wellness, Culinary Trail; El Nido; Palawan: The Last Frontier; Northern Palawan’s Eco Adventure; Bicol Express; The Visayan Charms; Negros Y Cebu and Islands to Highlands.

“Visit Philippines Year (VPY) 2015 was truly a huge success. This year, with Visit the Philippines Again (VPA) 2016, we are confident that it will be another spectacular year for the tourism industry, not just with the help of the government and private sector, but also with the heart of the Filipino people. With the Filipinos as our most important asset, VPA 2016 will surely captivate tourists even more as they return this year. We believe that this year’s host committee has created ample opportunities for delegates to experience the appeal of The Philippines,” said Susan del Mundo, Chairperson of ATF 2016 Travex Sub-Committee.

True to ATF’s objectives of promoting the 10 ASEAN regions as a single destination, the spotlight at this year’s event is not only on the Philippines. Other ASEAN NTOs have displayed their support and involvement in enhancing the 2016 ATF Travex program.

WHAT TO TAKE AWAY FROM THIS ARTICLE:

This year, with Visit the Philippines Again (VPA) 2016, we are confident that it will be another spectacular year for the tourism industry, not just with the help of the government and private sector, but also with the heart of the Filipino people.
Philippines, the host of the 35th ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2016 in Manila, pulled out all stops to make an impression on the 2,620 delegates comprising of ministerial and NTO delegates, as well as Travex suppliers from across ASEAN, international buyers and media.
True to ATF's objectives of promoting the 10 ASEAN regions as a single destination, the spotlight at this year's event is not only on the Philippines.