Thailand will host the 37th ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) in 2018, under the theme “Sustainable Connectivity, Boundless Prosperity”.
The forum will be held from 22–26 January, 2018, in Chiang Mai province, the ‘Rose of the North’ and aims to bring together ASEAN nations to form a collective voice for the development of tourism within the region.
The theme reflects the Thai government’s awareness of ASEAN as a community of opportunity that takes a people-centric approach to development, with the objective of creating better livelihoods for all, under the mechanism of sustainable development.
Thailand is fast becoming the main hub for ASEAN destinations, with travel to Thailand from ASEAN nations growing at record levels, thanks to visa-free policies, growing trade and business contacts, strong marketing campaigns and increased low-cost airline linkages between the various new and emerging destinations.
According to Ms Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister for Tourism and Sports:
“By connecting together in all aspects, we have created economic and social opportunities for our people, which has resulted in the reduction of the development gap between all member countries.
“By reinforcing human security for all, we are collectively addressing the challenges facing our region and peoples – be they global economic and financial crises, climate change, food and energy, security, infectious diseases, or natural disasters.”
The Forum will be held in Chiang Mai International Exhibition and Convention Centre, one of the largest convention centres in Thailand, only 10 minutes from the centre of Chiang Mai city and 15 minutes from the international airport. Hosting the Forum in Chiang Mai, Thailand’s Capital of the North, reflects the government’s national policy to give greater prominence to provincial destinations and highlights Thailand’s linkages with the Greater Mekong Sub-region countries.
Chiang Mai or “Nop Buri Nakorn Pink”, the former capital of the Lanna kingdom, is considered an area of natural beauty and diverse culture. Being a hub of several ancient realms, Chiang Mai has been a centre of exchanging knowledge, religions, architecture and commerce for centuries.
