via Khmer NZ
August 31, 2010
PHNOM PENH (Xinhua) - In a way to get well-prepared for the upcoming Cambodia 30th ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF 2011), the Cambodian government and other key stakeholders met Tuesday in the country's capital to discuss things to be done by then.
Deputy Prime Minister and the Chairman of ATF 2011 Inter- Ministerial Organizing Committee Sok An presided over the official launching of ATF 2011 and new websites of the Ministry of Tourism, www.tourismcambodia.org.
Sok An said that the 2011 ATF is a great event for the ASEAN, ASEAN+3 (India, Australia and Russia) and other partners to have more exchange and help to promote the development of tourism industry.
He said the theme of the 30th ATF is "ASEAN - A World of Wonders and Diversity", which reflects ASEAN's rich regional culture, abundant natural resources and high quality services in the tourism industry.
Sok An pointed out that the 30th ATF 2011 will also help Cambodia to promote its tourism industry.
Thong Khon, minister of tourism said Tuesday at the forum that as planned the 30th ATF 2011 will be held at the newly built Diamond Island Convention and Exhibition Center in Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia from January 15 to 21, 2011.
He said alongside with the ATF 2011, there will be travel exchange (TRAVEX) which will give the venue for the ASEAN's package tour sellers and potential buyers from the region and the world, and friendship golf tournament for ASEAN Tourism Ministers and senior officials, organized and sponsored by international television network (CNN).
Thong Khon said"Cambodia is proud to host ATF for the second time, which proves the development in all sectors in Cambodia, particularly infrastructure development, potential cultural and historical tourism, and abundant natural resources, together with the nature smiles of Cambodian people, deserved to be recognized as Cambodia-Kingdom of Wonder".
Cambodia first hosted ATF in 2003.
Thong Khon said during the ATF 2011, there will be a platform for TRAVEX exhibition consisting 420 stands. Currently, 302 stands have been booked by domestic and international companies (sellers) and there are 477 buyers from the region and the world.
He added that"ATF will be the greatest opportunities for both buyers and sellers to enhance business communication, operation and networking in a closely and friendly manner."
Over 1,600 delegates which include 400 international buyers and 100 international media are expected to take part and cover the event.
The statistics provided by Ministry of Tourism showed that in seven months of 2010, there were 1,423,505 foreign tourists visited the country. The number showed a significant increase of 13.85 percent compared to the same period in 2009.
Meanwhile, Thong Khan said that preliminary estimate predicts that Cambodia will receive around 2.4 million tourist arrivals in 2010. an increase of approximately 12 percent.
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