THE first set of preparatory meetings for the Asean Tourism Forum (ATF) 2010, which Brunei is hosting from January 21-28, is scheduled to kick off today in anticipation of the arrival of about 1,500 delegates who are descending upon the Sultanate for the region's biggest tourism meet.
For the first few days, the ATF will see meetings of the special working group for the Asean tourism integration as well as discussions between the Asean National Tourism Organisations (NTOs). Things will start to pick up on January 24 as the tourism ministers from the Asean member states will convene to discuss the future of the tourism industry for the region and update on the current projects to boost the sector.
The Federation of Asean Travel Association board meeting will also take place on Sunday, along with meetings between players from the hospitality industries from each country and the Asean airlines.
The tourism ministers will also meet with secretary-generals of the UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organisation), Asean-Japan Centre and Asean-Korea Centre. The meetings are expected to focus on a new strategic plan that will be announced to take care of Asean tourism from 2010-2015, said Brunei Tourism Development Department Director Sheikh Jamaluddin Sheikh Mohamed in a previous report. "That will be revealed after our deliberation and meeting at the (ATF)," Sheikh Jamaluddin said.
The ATF's official opening is slated for January 25, to be preceded by a tree-planting activity by the ministers and NTO heads at the Berakas Forest Reserve and Recreation Area, in line with the ATF theme, "Asean, the Heart of Green: 10 Destinations, One Conservation Vision". Later in the day, the ministers will meet with their counterparts from the Plus Three nations: China, Korea and Japan as well as the tourism minister from India.
Winners of the Asean Green Hotel Awards, of which Sheikh Jamaluddin is confident the Ulu-Ulu National Park Resort is a likely candidate, will also be announced prior to the opening ceremony in the evening.
The next day opens up with the conference, Aseanta (Asean Tourism Association) Awards, Asean Tourism Strategic Plan and Aseanta "Feel the Warmth" campaign presentations. Sheikh Jamaluddin said that an eco-tourism expert will deliver a keynote address about green and sustainable issues where Brunei can "learn and see the best way forward".
The travel component of ATF, Travex 2010 also starts on January 26 for two days at the Brunei International Defence Exhibition (Bridex) Centre as a venue for buyers and sellers to meet and sign deals on new tourism packages.
Throughout the ATF, delegates will be treated to tours and will be shown true Bruneian hospitality, culture and lifestyle in the country's bid to develop its tourism sector. The director said that the ATF will be a unique opportunity to showcase "our eco-tourism, pristine rainforests, majestic landmarks, more than 1,000-year-old heritage, culture and cuisine."
(Borneo Bulletin : 21 January 2010)