The 14th Meeting of Asean Tourism Ministers

The Fourteenth Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers (14th M-ATM) was held on 17 January 2011 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia in conjunction with the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2011 (ATF 2011). The Meeting was preceded by the Thirty-Third Meeting of ASEAN National Organisations and other ASEAN NTOs meetings with Dialogue Partners. The Meeting was chaired by H.E. Dr. Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism of Cambodia, with H.E. Mr. Jero Wacik, Minister of Culture and Tourism of Indonesia, acting as Vice Chairman.

The Ministers noted the positive arrivals growth of visitor arrivals into ASEAN. Preliminary figures show that ASEAN attracted more than 65 million visitors last year, posting a healthy 12 per cent growth. Intra-ASEAN travel continued to be a major share of tourists, making up 45% of total international arrivals.

ASEAN Tourism Forum 2011

The Ministers noted that the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) held on 15-21 January 2011 in Phnom Penh with the theme: “ASEAN- a World of Wonders and Diversity” was attended by more than 442 international buyers and more than 380 sellers with 512 booths in ASEAN. The Ministers acknowledged the partnership with CNN International as the “Official International Cable and Satellite Media Partner” for ATF 2011.

The Ministers noted that ATF 2012 will be convened in Manado, Indonesia on 9-15 January 2012 with “ASEAN Tourism for a Global Community of Nations” as the theme. Lao PDR confirmed to be the host of ATF 2013.