Cambodia Travel News

Cambodia mulls option to host ATF

The Tourism Authority of Thailand will throw its weight behind Cambodia's bid to host the 2002 Asean Tourism Forum, according to deputy governor for marketing Patpong Abhijatapong.

"Minister Veng Sereyvuth has our full support if he decides to press ahead with his proposal to host the forum," Mr Patpong confirmed last week.

Unlike other international events the ATF is not put to tender. It rotates alphabetically between the Asean nations. Up until now Brunei Darussalam had always taken a rain check on hosting the event when the five nation cycle was completed in Thailand. But next year with 10 members in the community it decided to bite the bullet and host the 2001 ATF for the first time. Historically, Indonesia would be next in line to host the event if it wishes. Indonesia may have to cocede the event anytime this year if Cambodia makes known its intention to take up its option.

Despite the show of support from Mr Patpong, Cambodia has a number of obstacles to overcome before it could hope to host the 2002 ATF. The venue is one. While Tourism Minister Veng said last April that Siem Reap could host the event, it appears advisors have since recommended that Phnom Penh is the more practical choice with Siem Reap hosting pre- and post-ATF tours. "To my knowledge, Phnom Penh is in a position to host the ATF," said Mr Patpong. "It would gain our support and we have already indicated this to the Minister.

In a telephone interview with ministry officials, they reported that Mr Veng would present a proposal to the prime minister and the cabinet this week.

"It is feasible but we are checking the facilities and budget required and we expect the required and we expect the minister to take the next step within a few days," a ministry official said.

If the go-ahead is given, Cambodia will probably call on Thailand to provide logistic support and assistance in organising the event.

But befor that, it would have to announce to the Asean ministers that it is taking up its option. This would require Indonesia shift its attention to 2003.

From here on the rotation of ATF may not follow the well-trodden path of the last two decades. Theoretically hosting future ATFs could run as follows: Cambodia 2002, Indonesia 2003, Laos 2004, Malaysia 2005, Myanmar 2006, Philippines 2007; Singapore 2008: Thailand 2009; Vietnam 2010.

"We have to acknowledge that the ATF might not return to Thailand for nine years," said Mr Patpong. "But this is in the long-term interests of Asean tourism and we should encourage all members to host the event even if it means accepting some restrictions in infrastructure and services."

Asean's long-term appeal as a destination, according to the TAT deputy governor will depend on the new Mekong region member countries.

"Wholesalers are asking for more information and will be attracted to these countries if they host the ATF."

In a related move Mr Patpong announced a policy to extend educational trips for the media visiting Thailand to a neighboring country.

"We will fund this campaign to ensure that all our fam trips close in one of our Mekong region neighbors," he explained.