The ASEAN Tourism Forum [ATF] consists of ten member countries: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Since its inauguration in 1981, it aims to promote the ASEAN [Association of South East Asian Nations] region as a major tourist destination and is gaining increasing recognition and importance among ASEAN sellers and international buyers, establishing itself as one of the industry’s major tourism events.

ATF's objectives are to:

• Project ASEAN as an attractive, multi-faceted single destination

• Create and increase awareness of ASEAN as a highly competitive regional tourist destination in the Asia Pacific area

• Attract more tourists to individual ASEAN member countries or a combination of them

• Promote intra-ASEAN travel

• Strengthen cooperation among the various sectors of the ASEAN tourism industry

The world is rapidly changing and each year brings with it unique new challenges. In the year 2006, ATF's theme is "Strengthening Partnerships Towards Peace, Prosperity & Progress". ATF acts as a platform for the seamless cooperation between the ten member countries, where ties may be strengthened for future alliances.

The ATF 2006 will include components such as ASEAN Travel Exchange [TRAVEX 2006], ASEAN Tourism Conference, ASEAN Tourism Minister's Meeting, ASEAN + 3 Meetings, Senior Officials Meetings of ASEAN NTOs & Association Meetings. TRAVEX 2006 is a trade-only mart to meet selected buyers from around the world through scheduled appointments. This opportune event is for buyers to gather the latest information on ASEAN tourism products and services, establish new business contacts and learn about tourism trends in the region. The ASEAN Tourism Conference is a forum to provide meeting of minds for buyers and sellers, as it will provide delegates with an insight into changing travel trends.

 We would like to extend a warm welcome to our tourism partners to participate a the ATF 2006 for the best of ASEAN travel products and services.