VIENTIANE: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Tourism Forum 2024 (ATF) kicked off in Vientiane, Laos, on 24th January, reported the Vietnam News Agency (VNA).
Themed “Quality and Responsible Tourism Sustaining ASEAN Future”, the forum aims to strengthen collaboration in further improving ASEAN tourism products to attract more international tourists.
Lao Deputy Prime Minister Kikeo Khaikhamphithoun, Secretary-General of ASEAN Kao Kim Hourn, tourism ministers from ASEAN countries, ambassadors of ASEAN countries to Laos and dialogue partners attended the event.
The ATF 2024 is taking place amidst the ongoing recovery of the tourism industry in ASEAN country, the Asia-Pacific region, and the international arena, which is gradually rebounding from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is the largest annual event held alternately among the 10 ASEAN countries, creating a space for cooperation to promote this region to become an attractive tourist destination globally.
The event will see a serie
s of significant events, including the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits, the ASEAN Tourism Forum, and various other ASEAN-related meetings.
The meeting, which runs through 26th January, will allow the participants to have discussions and exchanges on the sustainability of tourism development, utilising social media for tourism promotion, harnessing the potential of adventure tourism for sustainable promotion, creating unique experiences for tourism destinations, and understanding the needs of the primary tourism market in the ASEAN region.
Source: Emirates News Agency