Yangon – In 2015, ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) will be held in Myanmar for the first time since its inauguration in 1981. Myanmar was supposed to host the event already in 2006. But a tense political situation in the country forced the then military government of Myanmar to relinquish –on its own decision- the hosting to the Philippines.

A decade later, Myanmar is step by step turning into a normal country. Freedom is now better assured and the country is not anymore considered as a pariah state by the rest of the world.

The 34th edition of the ASEAN Travel Forum has been confirmed to take place from January 22 to 29, 2015 at the Myanmar International Convention Centre in Nay Pyi Taw with the Travel Expo (Travex) will be organized from January 27 to 29.

The theme ‘ASEAN – Tourism Towards Peace, Prosperity and Partnership’ is in line with the theme of Myanmar’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2014, based on the three pillars of building the ASEAN Community – peace, prosperity and unity. ATF 2015 is expected to attract 1,500 attendees from more than 25 countries, including tourism ministers and officials, ASEAN exhibitors, international buyers, international and local media, as well as tourism trade visitors.

The show will also be of great importance as it will be the last one before the official launching of the Asean Economic Community, due to come into force by the end of 2015. Registrations for buyers, sellers and media are open since the middle of May.

Although Nay Pyi Taw is probably not the most attractive destination within Myanmar, the decision to choose the administrative capital is rather wise: January is high season in Myanmar and with rising tourist numbers, there is a crush in accommodation capacities in the main tourist centres such as Yangon, Mandalay or Bagan.

Napy Pyi Taw has officially some 50 hotels and commercial accommodation offering over 4,000 rooms. Finally, it will also give a fair chance to the capital to present itself to the travel industry. And why not, turn the new capital into a new tourist destination. Source: traveldailynews