COME 2016, an association, an event organiser and the host committee of the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) are expected join hands to leverage their individual strengths for the annual trade event.
The Philippine Department of Tourism (DoT) will be taking the lead in putting together ATF 2016 in Manila, with support from ASEANTA and TTG Asia Media.
Philippines tourism secretary Ramon Jimenez told the Daily the Philippines is eager to get the private sector involved, calling it a “fruition of insights of past ATFs”. He said: “Governments can be a little boring without the private sector, as they are the voice of the industry.”
Aileen Clemente, president, ASEANTA, said: “This is a testament of public-private partnerships, which have been increasing especially towards ASEAN integration. This collaboration shows the strength of the co-operation and unified goals of all parties, including invitation for investments and contribution to ASEAN’s economic growth.”
If both parties are appointed by the Philippines, TTG would manage the Travex component while ASEANTA would arrange logistics such as accommodation as well as organising the ASEAN Tourism Conference.
Darren Ng, managing director, TTG Asia Media, said: “Such a tripartite arrangement will leverage the individual strengths – TTG for its specialisation in event and exhibition organisation for the travel trade and ASEANTA for its established trade ties.”
One new component of ATF 2016 that ASEANTA is introducing is the investment fair. Said Clemente: “Almost every year, the ASEAN Tourism Conference is handled by ASEANTA. In 2016, ASEANTA will convert the half-day event to two days concentrating on investment opportunities in ASEAN. We’d like to push the portfolio of investments before the conference, so that by the time the conference comes round people can just sign the contracts there.”
On the choice of Manila as the host destination, Jimenez said: “A lot of things will be completed in Manila by 2016, such as new hotels, and Entertainment City will be in full swing. We also want to clear up a misperception that it’s impossible to get around Manila, but this is possible with the proper management of events.”
Asked why some DMCs have said they no longer participate at such tradeshows due to low ROI, Ng said that unlike other event organisers, TTG Events will continue to monitor buyers and ensure buyer quality with its experience handling travel tradeshows.
ASEANTA will contribute by recommending high-quality buyers. Ng added: “A key area of focus is to get new buyers. We’re looking to host about 400 buyers, about 50 per cent from Asia, 30 per cent from Europe and 15 per cent from North America. Traditionally for ASEAN, intra-regional travel is important, and the next important step is Europe.” – Additional reporting by Rosa Ocampo
