Vientiane, Lao PDR, January 26, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Malaysia took center stage at the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024 (ATF2024) in Vientiane, Laos, promoting sustainable development, ecotourism, and community involvement. Their delegation, led by Tourism Secretary General Dato’ Roslan Tan Sri Abdul Rahman, unveiled their vision for responsible tourism through a dazzling official opening ceremony and cultural dances by Istana Budaya.

As ATF2024 unfolded, Malaysia’s booth at TRAVEX, featured stunning eco-tourism attractions and traditional handicrafts by KARYANEKA, captivated visitors. Their focus resonated with the forum’s theme, “Quality and Responsible Tourism – Sustaining ASEAN Future.”

Beyond promoting their own initiatives, Malaysia celebrated regional unity. In a stunning ceremony, officials from across ASEAN gathered to witness the official handover of the ATF2025 hosting duties to Malaysia. The event, characterized by vibrant cultural performances and warm diplomatic exchanges, served as a beacon of collaboration and shared future ambitions within the region.

The event, held in the Landmark Mekong Riverside Hotel in Laos, saw the presence of notable personalities, including Dato Sri Tiong King Sing JP, the Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture of Malaysia. Also among the delegates were Christina Gracia Frasco, the Secretary of the Department of Tourism of the Philippines, and Dr. They Thet Khine, the Union Minister of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism of Myanmar. Harry Hwang, the Director of the Regional Department of Asia and Pacific, was also in attendance, along with numerous other dignitaries representing various ASEAN nations.

Joining the Malaysian delegation were representatives from Perak Tourism, Melaka Tourism and Johor Tourism as well as local dignitaries, excellencies, media, and tourism industry players. Malaysia will officially become the next host for the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2025, marking its return to hosting ATF since the last event in 2014 in Kuching, Sarawak.

The Malaysian delegation was led by Dato’ Roslan Tan Sri Abdul Rahman, Secretary General of Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia, accompanied by Dato’ Dr. Ammar Bin Abd. Ghapar, Director General of Tourism Malaysia; and H.E. Ambassador Edi Irwan bin Mahmud, Malaysian Ambassador to the Lao PDR.

Highlighting their commitment, Malaysia announced it will host the prestigious ATF2025, marking a return since 2014. This decision further confirms Malaysia’s role as one of the leaders in ASEAN tourism, exemplified by their dedication to showcasing their diverse offerings, from eco-tourism havens to bustling modern cities. The handover ceremony emphasized ASEAN’s unity and collaborative spirit for a bright future in tourism.