The theme of the forum “ASEAN Tourism – Striving for a New Height” aims to boost the ASEAN tourism industry and promote ASEAN as a single tourism destination at a time of fierce global competition.

During ATF 2009, there will be dialogues between ASEAN Tourism Ministers, the ATF Travel Exchange (TRAVEX), travel seminars and exhibitions.

Vietnam is expected to welcome nearly 1,500 foreign visitors for ATF 2009 with 400 travel agencies from potential markets such as North America, West and East Europe, North-east Asia and Australia.

Year 2009 will be the last year for ASEAN to achieve full integration as the region moves closer to becoming the ASEAN Economic Community. The ASEAN tourism industry has made significant contributions to the integration process by strengthening exchanges and consolidating peace in the region.