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| photo: Malaysia Truly Asia facebook |
KUCHING, 20 JAN 2014: The Prime Minister of
Malaysia, Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak officially declared open
the 33rd ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF 2014), ASEAN – Advancing Tourism
Together, at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Building, here
today.
The colourful opening ceremony and
welcome dinner bearing the Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2014 theme of
Celebrating 1Malaysia, Truly Asia was also graced by the Chief Minister
of Sarawak, Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud, ASEAN Tourism Ministers,
the Minister of Tourism and Culture Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri
Abdul Aziz, as well as some 2,000 guests including 879 sellers from
ASEAN countries, 462 international buyers and a host of foreign and
local travel trade media.
“Malaysia is honoured
to host the ATF 2014 for the sixth time. I hope that this forum will
chart the strategic directions to expedite the growth and development of
tourism in ASEAN and enhance our collaboration to project ASEAN as an
attractive and multi-faceted single destination,” said Dato’ Sri Mohd
Najib.
“The theme, ASEAN – Advancing Tourism
Together, chosen for the ATF 2014 is certainly appropriate and timely.
It reinforces the commitment of ASEAN Member States to work hand in hand
to achieve the vision and goals of the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan
(ATSP) 2011 – 2015,” added Dato’ Seri Mohd Najib.
Highlights
of the opening ceremony included the joint launching of The Magical
Gardens of ASEAN coffee table book by Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib and ASEAN
Tourism Ministers, along with the Chief Minister of Sarawak, the
Minister of Tourism and Culture Malaysia, and Sarawak’s Minister of
Tourism and Housing Development.
The Magical
Gardens of ASEAN is produced by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture
Malaysia, with contributions from the respective ASEAN Member States to
promote ASEAN Parks and Gardens. The effort goes in line with ASEAN’s
objective to promote sustainable economic development through the
conservation of the natural and cultural heritage in the region.
Malaysia
also took the opportunity to showcase its cultural diversity, where
guests were treated to an hour-long “Malaysia Truly Asia” cultural
performance while enjoying “1Malaysia Truly Asia Fusion Food”.
The
opening ceremony featured traditional dances and music of Malaysia’s
multi-racial community, besides performances by renowned international
violinist, Dennis Lau and local songstress, Dayang Nurfaizah, who hails
from Sarawak. Guests were also feted to a musical performance of ASEAN
songs.
The 8-day ATF 2014, which will end on
23 January, will deliberate and explore the sustainable development of
tourism and look at how various tourism initiatives and plans can
further support the mantra of Tourism Conserves, Preserves and Protects.
Apart
from ASEAN Tourism Ministers and senior government officials, other
participants at the ATF 2014 included ASEAN National Tourism
Organisations (NTOs), exhibitors, buyers and sellers, as well as Travel
Exchange (TRAVEX) delegates from all over the world.
The
ATF 2014 provides an excellent platform for Malaysia to showcase its
diverse range of tourism attractions, particularly in Sarawak and Sabah,
as well as the year-long celebrations of Visit Malaysia Year (VMY)
2014.
-Tourism Malaysia.
www.tourism.gov.my
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