Manado, Indonesia to Host ATF 2012

On the night of 19 January, Indonesia Night, hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Indonesia, was organized at the beautiful Sofitel Phnom Penh at Phokeethra. Ozgur Tore (FTNNEWS), Nadezda Basyrova (RusTourismNews), Fusun and Suat Tore (New Focus Travel Magazine) attended the Indonesia Night.The evening was a delightful cultural experience that gave the almost 2000 ATF 2011 delegates a sneak peek into magnificent Manado, the venue for ATF 2012.

Highlights of the night included the handing over of the ATF flag and plaque. Amidst traditional performances was the ceremonial passing of the mantle of Host Committee from His Excellency Dr. Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism, Cambodia to His Excellency Jero Wacik, Minister of Culture and Tourism, Indonesia. Mr. Wacik then warmly welcomed all TRAVEX delegates to experience the hospitality and warmth of Indonesia in 2012.

The national motto of Indonesia, “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” literally means, ‘Many, yet One’. This motto perfectly epitomizes the spirit of ASEAN Tourism Forum 2012. The theme for ATF 2012 is ‘ASEAN Tourism for a Global Community of Nations.’ Mirroring Indonesia as a community of islands that forms a single beautiful nation, the theme reflects that ASEAN is also a single multifaceted destination for the global community of travellers.

Indonesia has been celebrated for its beautiful beaches in Bali, exciting nightlife in Jakarta and the cultural heritage sites of Sumatra. Now, at ATF 2012, Indonesia is keen to introduce to the world, the many delights of Manado.In a statement to the TRAVEX Secretariat, His Excellency Jero Wacik remarked, “Manado is famous as a diver’s paradise, but also offers wonderful hospitality infrastructure, and diverse and stunning landscapes.

The people of Manado and the rest of Indonesia are all keen to give you a taste of the famed Indonesian hospitality during ATF 2012.”. Indonesia has also gained respect for its many initiatives to promote Eco Tourism and Sustainable Development, while also protecting and developing the local communities.

Source = ftnnews