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Vientiane hosts a game-changing ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024, pioneering a new era of regional growth.

In a landmark event poised to redefine Southeast Asian tourism, the ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) proudly inaugurated the much-anticipated Travel Exhibition (TRAVEX) at the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2024 in Vientiane, Lao PDR. This pivotal forum, backed by the Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism of Lao PDR, stands as a testament to the region’s unyielding spirit of collaboration and innovation.

Eddy Krismeidi Soemawilaga, President of ASEANTA, articulated the essence of this year’s TRAVEX, emphasizing its crucial role in revitalizing the ATF. “This year’s TRAVEX is not just an event; it’s a milestone in our journey towards a vibrant ASEAN tourism landscape,” Soemawilaga stated. The synergy of ASEANTA, the Ministry of Information, Communication, and Tourism (MICT) of Lao PDR, MP Singapore, and Travel Weekly Asia has forged a new path for the ATF, rooted in its rich history since 1981.

This year’s forum is the fruit of a robust partnership between MICT and ASEANTA, with MP Singapore as the event organizer and Travel Weekly Asia as the official media partner. This collaboration aims to overcome past ATF challenges, enhancing TRAVEX’s consistency and impact.

Soemawilaga further highlighted ASEANTA’s role in steering ATF towards unprecedented heights. “While change is a gradual process, our resolve to rejuvenate ATF remains unwavering. The support from MICT exemplifies a shared commitment to this transformative journey,” he said.

H.E. Madam Suanesavanh Vignaket, the Minister of the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism of Lao PDR, echoed these sentiments, underscoring the collective effort in orchestrating TRAVEX 2024. “Our collaboration symbolizes a shared vision for ASEAN tourism, one that we are honored to host and contribute to significantly,” she noted.

TRAVEX 2024 welcomes an impressive assembly of 107 total delegates and 101 co-delegates as sellers, showcasing 34 booths representing 105 companies. Additionally, the event features 70 buyers, 26 media representatives, and 130 trade visitors, all set to engage in this annual ASEAN tourism convocation.

In alignment with ATF’s objectives, TRAVEX is a vital annual convention for the ASEAN tourism industry. It provides a platform for exchanging ideas, reviewing industry developments, and formulating recommendations to boost ASEAN tourism. “TRAVEX is where the future of ASEAN tourism is shaped,” Soemawilaga added.

This year’s event includes significant enhancements, such as expanding the ASEAN Tourism Conference to a two-day affair with 34 distinguished speakers. The conference’s focus on “Quality and Responsible Tourism – Sustaining ASEAN’s Future” underscores the commitment to sustainable and high-quality tourism practices.

“These enhancements are designed to maximize TRAVEX’s impact, fostering a dynamic environment for knowledge sharing and collaboration among industry leaders,” Soemawilaga concluded.

ASEANTA extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Government of Lao PDR, represented by the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, for entrusting it with organizing this significant event. Special thanks are also owed to MP Singapore, the event organizer, and Travel Weekly Asia, the official media partner, for their unwavering trust and support in this collaborative endeavour.

As TRAVEX 2024 unfolds, it marks a new chapter in ASEAN tourism, where collaboration, innovation, and commitment pave the way for a resilient and prosperous future.