On 24.10, at the international conference center, 11 Le Hong Phong, Hanoi, the Organization Board of the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2009 (ATF 2009) hosted by the Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism and holding concurrently the position of the general Director of Tourism Department Tran Chien Thang already held the press conference, informing action programs in the frame of the Forum which will be taken place from 05 – 12.01.2009 in the forthcoming time in Hanoi.

Attending the press conference were journalists from news’s agencies inside and outside the country, representatives of agencies in the Organization Board of ATF 2009 and subcommittees supporting the Organization Board.

At the press conference, the Deputy Minister Tr?n Chi?n Th?ng had a speech introducing about ATF and the participation of Vietnam; introducing activities which will taken place in the frame of the next ATF as well as informing programs, places for activities of ATF 2009 to be taken place.

The Deputy Minister confirmed that ATF 2009 was the big event and had political and socio-economic meanings and the initiative reflecting the efforts of the entire block of Asian, to build Asian to become a public tourist destination and develop tourism in a sustainable direction, contribute to enhance the exchanges of customers, friendship cooperation, cultural exchanges, and consolidate peace and develop the prosperity in the region.

Answering the questions of the presses surrounding the action programs and the targets to develop tourism industry in Vietnam through ATF 2009, the Deputy Minister Tr?n Chi?n Th?ng believed that in the context of global economic crisis, the roles of ATF 2009 was becoming more and more developed, boosting local tourism to strongly develop, determining that tourism was still the key economic industry of Vietnam.

With the subject of ASEAN Tourism – reaching the new level”, ATF 2009 held in Vietnam will be a chance for the hosting country to raise the image, status in the region and worldwide. This is also a chance for agencies, enterprises to contribute to the development of Vietnam, through the joint effort to propagandize and prepare for the important event.

As scheduled, the opening ceremony of ATF 2009 will be held on 9. 01. 2009 at the national conference center with the participation of over 1500 guests. The closing ceremony will be held on the night of 12.01.2009 at Daewoo Hotel (Hanoi)