Manila, Phillipines hosted the 35th ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2016 from the 18 to 25 January, with an impressive 2620 delegates attending the event, comprising of ministerial and NTO delegates, in addition to TRAVEX suppliers, international buyers and media.

The event saw 1000 exhibitors interact with 457 buyers from around the globe, alongside 175 international and local media representatives.

Outside ATF, social activities for guests included Pre-Show City Tours, Opening Ceremony, Welcome Reception and Dinner, and Farewell Party for all ATF delegates, as well as the Heavy Cocktails and exclusive Hosted Dinner for ASEAN NTO delegates.

One of the Philippine Host Committee’s most anticipated highlights is its 10 post-ATF tours that run from 23 to 26 January to popular tourist attractions in the Philippines. The list of tours offered included Ilocos: UNESCO World Heritage Tour; Cordillera Heritage Tour, Southern Luzon’s Heritage, Wellness, Culinary Trail; El Nido; Palawan: The Last Frontier; Northern Palawan’s Eco Adventure; Bicol Express; The Visayan Charms; Negros Y Cebu and Islands to Highlands.

“Visit Philippines Year (VPY) 2015 was truly a huge success. This year, with Visit the Philippines Again (VPA) 2016, we are confident that it will be another spectacular year for the tourism industry, not just with the help of the government and private sector, but also with the heart of the Filipino people,” said Susan del Mundo, Chairperson of ATF 2016 TRAVEX Sub-Committee.