Don’t disrupt ATF, Duterte tells rebels

DAVAO CITY — It’s all systems go for the biggest Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) tourism meet in Davao City next week.

Preparations have gone full-blast for the arrival of more than 3,000 tourism executives and major players not only from the region, but from around the world as well.

Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has asked militant organizations as well as rebel groups, including the New People’s Army (NPA) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), to refrain from making any moves that might disrupt the all-important ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) on Jan. 13-21 in this southern city.

The MILF, though, has thrown its support behind the city’s hosting of the event.

"I am asking them this time to please cooperate and do not do anything that would disrupt the entire ATF proceedings," Duterte said.

He said this is one event that would help further boost the economic development of the South.

Duterte has earmarked over P20 million for the ATF’s infrastructure requirements and another P7 million for the delegates’ security.

The ATF will gather the top tourism officials of the ASEAN member-countries, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and the Philippines.

Also expected are the tourism ministers of Japan, China and South Korea, being part of the "ASEAN+3" grouping.

The ATF is expected to put Davao City on the international tourism map as tourism product buyers not only from the ASEAN nations but also from Europe, the United States and the Middle East are attending it.

All hotels and inns in the city have undergone major refurbishing and renovation in preparation for ATF 2006, which will include a meeting of the ASEAN Joint Tourism Task Force to discuss areas of cooperation to promote the region’s tourism attractions, facilities and services.

ASEAN tourism ministers will meet here on Jan. 16 to further strengthen their commitment for continued cooperation in the tourism sector.

Separate meetings will also be held by various ASEAN tourism-related organizations such as the Federation of ASEAN Travel Associations, Association of ASEAN Airlines, Association of ASEAN Hotels and Restaurants, and the ASEAN Tourism Association.