The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines and the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) will join the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia on 02-05 February 2023 to showcase what the Philippines has to offer to the international market and strengthen business relationships to further boost the country’s tourism.
The ATF 2023 is the biggest annual tourism event in the ASEAN region and is expected to attract more than 2000 participants from more than 25 countries. These include tourism ministers and officials, sellers, international buyers, international and local media as well as trade visitors.
The Philippine participation in the ATF 2023 is one of TPB and DOT’s events lined up for the year to showcase the country’s readiness for tourism, and at the same time, support the private sector by providing valuable networking opportunities to promote their products and services.
With the theme, “ASEAN: A Journey To Wonderful Destinations,” ATF 2023 brings the Philippines and the rest of the countries in the South East Asia region collectively to promote their unique hospitality and cultural diversity, in alignment with the ASEAN vision, “A Destination for Every Dream”.
TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles noted that the country’s participation in the ASEAN Tourism Forum and other international events, since the easing of travel borders worldwide enabled the Philippines to move forward to a better normal and boost the recovery of the tourism industry.
“These key international shows have proven to drive a significant number of leads and exposure for the country, and we at the TPB are more than ready to be back on the global stage and aggressively put a spotlight on what the Philippines has to offer,” said TPB COO Nograles.
Numerous high-level events will be conducted in the ATF including a meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers, ASEAN National Tourism Organizations (NTOs), press briefing, tourism conference, and the ASEAN Travel Exchange (TRAVEX) fair.
TRAVEX is a trade-only mart that showcases the world’s largest contingent of ASEAN destination products and services, and facilitates selling, buying and promoting the region internationally.
The Philippines will be joining the TRAVEX fair with a 144 sq. booth which will be participated by sixteen (16) local seller participants. The Philippine delegation will also present updates on the country’s tourism industry in a media briefing session scheduled on 2 February 2023.
TPB will also host a luncheon to showcase traditional Philippine cuisine and a cultural performance for the invited international buyer participants, Philippine private sector sellers, and media on 5 February 2023.