TTG ASIA SEP 2-8, 2005

TTG to run Travex for ATF
By Ollie Quiniquini

DAVAO – TTG Asia Media has been appointed by the Philippines Department of Tourism (DoT) to organise the Travel Exchange (Travex) portion of the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2006 (ATF), which will held in Davao from January 13 to 21.

TTG has set up a 10-member full-time team headed by exhibitions manager, Ms Phila Anne Tan, and project manager, Ms Melanie Lee. A website at www.atf06.com – for buyer, seller registration, the programme and other information – will be ready next week. Buyers and sellers can immediately contact the TTG-ATF team at atf@ttgasia.com.

DoT undersecretary tourism services and regional offices and ATF working group head, Mr Oscar Palabyab, said: “I am convinced TTG Asia Media has the correct resources, experience and network to help us in marketing Travex in the remaining five months left before the show.”

Travex will be held at the NCCC Mall Exhibition Center. NCCC PR Council administrator, Ms Aileen Gajo, said the centre would refurbish its facilities and take out some columns in the 4,412m2 exhibition hall on the fourth floor to better accommodate corporate booths.

During the August 20 official announcement of Davao as the venue of ATF 2006, DoT secretary, Mr Joseph Durano, said he expected the event to propel Davao forward as an international tourist destination, similar to what ATF 1998 did for Cebu.

Mr Durano said: “ATF will give Davao unprecedented international exposure. We expect Davao to be the next pillar destination of the Philippines. There is a charm in Davao not seen elsewhere and this is captured by the city’s slogan – From Islands to Highlands.”

The DoT estimated the cost of hosting ATF at a little less than 100 million pesos (US$1.78 million). Funding would come from various sources, including sponsorships. Davao City will put up 20 million pesos towards ATF projects such as the opening ceremony, complimentary city tours for delegates and accommodation for 200 buyers. Another five to seven million pesos will go towards security arrangements.

The proposed theme for ATF 2006 is Celebrating the Many Faces of ASEAN.

TTG Asia will also be the official daily for ATF 2006. Look out for our ATF in Davao Special in our September 23 issue.