JOHOR BARU: The state is gearing up for its first major event of 2025 when it hosts international delegates for the Asean Tourism Forum (ATF) next month.
The six-day event will be held at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre here from Jan 15-20, said state unity, heritage and culture committee chairman K. Raven Kumar.
“The ATF is among the biggest tourism forums in the world.
“Around 1,000 leaders, delegates, travel agents and international media from the 10 Asean members and invited countries including China, Japan, Russia and India will be attending,” he said.
Next year’s theme for the ATF is “Unity in Motion: Shaping Asean’s Tourism Tomorrow”.
Laos was the host of the 2024 edition.
Raven Kumar said that each Asean country will take turns to host the ATF.
The last time Malaysia hosted the event was 10 years ago in Sarawak, he said.
“The ATF is a highly-anticipated event for the participating countries and tourism industry as a whole.
“We aim to showcase the beauty of Johor during this time. It will be a build-up to our Visit Johor Year 2026 campaign,” he added.Aside from conferences and networking meetings, Raven Kumar said the Asean Travel Exchange (Travex) trade show, which is part of the ATF, is another event to look forward to.
“Travex is a platform for buyers and sellers to connect and explore a diverse range of tourism products and services,” he said.
He said Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing is expected to kick off Travex on Jan 15 while the opening ceremony of ATF is scheduled to be launched by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof on Jan 18.
A series of ministerial meetings will also be held during the event, Raven Kumar said, adding that technical tours have also been arranged for delegates to enjoy Johor’s tourism offerings.
Founded in 1981, the ATF showcases South-East Asia as a unified travel destination, bringing together ministers of tourism, government representatives, corporations and media from the 10 Asean nations.
