ATF 2012 TRAVEX boasts 20% more registrations from exhibitors, buyers, and media as compared to the same time last year. The 2012 leisure travel trade event, showcasing the largest contingent of ASEAN destination products and services, has reported sales of more than 100 booths to date. Some 200 buyers and close to 85 media have also submitted their registrations early in order to maximize their chances of getting one of the limited hosted places available.

Confirmed exhibitors include hotel chains such as Dusit International, the Sol Melia Group, Jakarta, Sunshine Borneo Tours and Travel, Dorsett International, Centara Hotels and Resorts, Oberoi Hotels and Resorts Indonesia, Eastin Hotel, Siam Kempinski Hotel, and Vacation Singapore DMC. Among the 200 interested buyers are organizations like Select Vacations Australia, Big Tree Travels and Tours Malaysia, Optimal Travel Services UK, Tui Netherlands, Go Vacation Thailand, and Hotelrooms Inc.

ATF TRAVEX Secretariat believes that much of the early interest can be attributed to a successful ATF 2011 that scored high among the over 2,000 attending delegates. Delegates included more than 1,000 exhibitors representing more than 400 companies from the 10 ASEAN nations, more than 440 international buyers representing 55 countries, close to 150 media from across 32 countries, and more than 400 NTOs.

Over 90% of buyers rated the quality of exhibitors and their business appointments as excellent or good, reflecting the effectiveness of ATF TRAVEX as a choice business platform. Said buyer Rose Ann Shetty, CEO of Galavantor from UAE: “It was very productive meeting suppliers of my niche products. The show provides excellent information.”

More than 90% of exhibitors expect to receive orders over the next 6 to 12 months. Some 30% of exhibitors estimated their sales value to range from US$50,000 to US$250,000. Exhibitor Mr. Subramaniam of Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council remarked that ATF is, “A good platform to make contacts and explore business opportunities.” Tran Thi Bich Thuy of Buffalo Tours, Vietnam agreed and added, “We look forward to continue getting good sales from ATF TRAVEX.”

Said 2012 exhibitor Mrs. Amornrat Boonwittaya, Director of Sales and Marketing of Zinc Invision Hospitality Co. Ltd., “We have a three-fold objective for ATF 2012 - 1) To strengthen business relationships with existing accounts and seek prospective clients, 2) To create product awareness and drive business volume within key selective markets, and 3) To create awareness of new projects and forge new business relations.”

Based on ATF’s proven track record, she is confident that it is an effective platform to meet these objectives.

Interested 2012 buyer Mr. Fong Chin Lim, Managing Director of Bigtree Travel&Tours Malaysia, is also looking forward to ATF 2012. He said, “ATF TRAVEX is an excellent platform for us to meet with ASEAN suppliers and source new products.”

ATF 2012 marks the event’s 31st installment. ASEAN member-nation Indonesia will host ATF 2012 in Manado from January 9-15. ATF TRAVEX, the 3-day travel trade mart component of the event, will take place from January 13-15 at the newly-constructed Golden Kawanua Convention Centre.

In a statement to the TRAVEX secretariat, His Excellency Ir. Jero Wacik, Minister of Culture and Tourism, Indonesia said: “The Golden Kawanua Convention Centre is just one of the many exciting efforts that Manado is making to contribute to a successful ATF 2012. The convention center is just 10 minutes away from the Sam Ratulangi Airport, which is accessible from a host of international destinations.”

The capital of the North Sulawesi province, Manado, is a diver’s paradise. Famous for its eco-tourism efforts, Manado is home to dramatic and diverse landscapes and a treasure of flora and fauna. Indonesia hopes to introduce the world to Manado through ATF 2012.

As always, ATF combines business appointments, an education component, and numerous social functions. Held in a sprawling exhibition hall, the business appointments will encompass the majority of delegates’ schedules over the three days.

The ASEAN Tourism Conference (ATC) – the educational component of ATF – will feature sessions by industry veterans, which will engage the audience through presentations and panel discussions on the major trends and issues affecting ASEAN tourism today.

The social and networking events at ATF will continue to offer delegates the opportunity to create new contacts within the industry in relaxed and unique settings such as the popular golf game, late night functions, or the hosted luncheons and dinners. Pre-show city tours and post-show tours to popular destinations in and around Manado will also be a highlight for hosted buyer and media delegates.

For more information, program updates, and to register for ATF 2012, visit www.atfindonesia.com .