Opening Speech by Hon. Dato' Seri Mohamed Nazri Bin Tan Sri Abdul Aziz, Minister Of Tourism & Culture Malaysia at Asean Tourism Forum (ATF) Opening Ceremony

OPENING SPEECH BY
HON. DATO' SERI MOHAMED NAZRI BIN TAN SRI ABDUL AZIZ
MINISTER OF TOURISM & CULTURE, MALAYSIA
AT ASEAN TOURISM FORUM (ATF) OPENING CEREMONY

Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. First and foremost, let me take this opportunity to bid all of you Selamat Datang or Welcome to the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2014, or in short ATF 2014. Let me warmly welcome Y. A. B. Dato' Sri Hj. Mohd. Najib bin Tun Hj. Abdul Razak, Prime Minister of Malaysia and our First Lady, Y. A. Bhg. Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.

2. I wish to record our heartfelt appreciation to Y. A. B. Dato' Sri for graciously agreeing to officiate ATF 2014. Y. A. B. Dato' Sri's presence here signifies the commitment of the Government at the highest level to further develop the tourism industry as one of the major economic contributors to the country and ASEAN.

3. I would like to specially thank the Chief Minister of Sarawak, Y. A. B. Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud for collaborating with the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Malaysia to host the ATF 2014. Malaysia is honoured to host this annual meeting, which is deemed as the most important meeting in the tourism calendar of ASEAN. It is even more significant as it is the first international meeting hosted in Malaysia since the launch Visit Malaysia Year 2014.

4. Sarawak was selected as the venue for the ATF 2014 because it has many fascinating things to offer from warm, friendly people and rich cultural diversity to its breathtakingly diverse flora and fauna, which is globally recognized. In addition, it is also an opportunity to showcase the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) market segment offered by Sarawak, which is one of the Entry Point Projects (EPPs) of the Tourism National Key Economic Area (NKEA).

5. Malaysia is very honoured by the presence and steadfast support of ASEAN Ministers of Tourism at the ATF2014. My sincere appreciation also goes to approximately 1,800 delegates from ASEAN, Dialogue Partners and International Organisations namely the UNWTO, WTTC and PATA as well as sellers, buyers and media from Malaysia, ASEAN and throughout the world. It is through your confidence and strong support that made it possible for ATF 2014 to be an outstanding success. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

6. I also wish to express my sincere thanks to the dedicated team of officers and staff from the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Malaysia, the State Government of Sarawak, other relevant Government agencies and student volunteers from UiTM, Sarawak for your untiring efforts to ensure the success of ATF 2014.

Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,

7. Tourism has become one of the most important industries in the world today. With the increasing ease of travel across borders, it is a key industry that generates enormous foreign exchange earnings, income and employment. Recognizing the potential of tourism and the power of regional collaboration, this ATF has adopted the theme "ASEAN - Advancing Tourism Together".

8. A core component of the ATF is the ASEAN Tourism Ministerial Meetings, which involves the exchange of ideas, review of industry developments and joint formulation of recommendations to further accelerate the growth of ASEAN tourism. The very productive meetings we have had the last 2 days is a reflection of our increasingly closer cooperation and solidarity that has been fostered over the years.

9. ATF 2014 also provides a platform for the selling and buying of tourism products of ASEAN member countries, through the 3-day Travel Exchange (TRAVEX). TRAVEX 2014 will be launched tomorrow at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching. It is jointly organised with ASEANTA, which an association of the travel trade industry of ASEAN. I am pleased to announce that we have a record participation of more than 1,300 ASEAN and international sellers and buyers in TRAVEX 2014. The response from the tourism industry players is overwhelming and all the booths for TRAVEX have been taken up.

Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,

10. Malaysia is honoured to continue the spirit and tradition of the ASEAN Tourism Forum, which embraces the role of being a catalyst for change in tourism policy and development, subsequently improving the economic and social standing among ASEAN Member States. As a united ASEAN, the strength of our collective efforts is greater than the sum of its parts. We look forward to further strengthen our strategic collaboration to fully harness the tourism growth potential of ASEAN.

11. I am convinced that ATF 2014 will pave the way for greater progress and development in this industry. I wish all our Honourable Ministers and distinguished delegates the very best in your efforts in advancing tourism in your respective organisations and countries in particular, and ASEAN in general. To our foreign guests, I hope you make the most of your visit here and experience the many wonders of Malaysia. Join us as we celebrate Visit Malaysia Year 2014.

12. After the intensive meetings we have had, it is time for us to sit back and relax. In this regard, I hope you will enjoy the Cultural Potpourri of Malaysia, which is aptly the theme for tonight's welcome dinner. You will be taken on a journey throughout Malaysia in the form of dances and performances of the different ethnic groups in Malaysia. Such cultural and ethnic diversity coupled with the unity of Malaysians living in harmony, showcases our uniqueness and our strength in diversity. This has made Malaysia a preferred destination for tourists to experience, Malaysia Truly Asia and South East Asia - Feel the Warmth.

On that note, I wish you a pleasant and fruitful ATF 2014.

Thank you.

Kemaskini Terakhir : 21 April 2014