The Federation of ASEAN Travel Associations (FATA) has unveiled its new leadership with Tan Kok Liang at the helm, marking a pivotal moment for South-east Asian tourism.
Tan steps into the presidency for the term spanning 2024 to 2026, succeeding the stewardship of Pauline Suharno from the Indonesian Travel Agents Association.
Tan: let’s seize the moment
Expressing gratitude for Suharno’s dedication, Tan said: “Pauline has steered FATA admirably through the post-pandemic landscape, and we thank her for her unwavering commitment.”
Tan, a recipient of the prestigious Tourism Promotion Organization (TPO) Best Tourism Industry Leader Award, brings a wealth of experience and a visionary outlook to his role. He is dedicated to elevating FATA’s profile and revitalising South-east Asian tourism in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Tan’s strategic agenda includes positioning the ASEAN brand as an enticing choice for international travellers, with a focus on showcasing the region’s diverse destinations and recreational offerings.
Under Tan’s leadership, FATA will prioritise initiatives such as international travel trade shows to promote South-east Asian tourism and foster regional mobility. Tan applauds Thailand’s innovative visa proposal as a catalyst for enhancing intra-ASEAN travel and believes it will revolutionise regional mobility.
“Let’s seize the moment,” Tan urges, emphasising the untapped potential of intra-ASEAN tourism. With only seven per cent of the region’s population currently engaged in intra-ASEAN travel, Tan envisions a vibrant market ripe with affordability and a plethora of experiences waiting to be explored.
Tan’s vision extends beyond traditional tourism hotspots, advocating for the discovery of hidden gems and unique experiences across South-east Asian countries. Collaborations with industry leaders like AirAsia aim to create an interconnected South-east Asia tapestry, making travel within the region both accessible and exciting.
Furthermore, Tan aims to position FATA as a driving force for business-to-business opportunities and knowledge exchange among South-east Asian stakeholders. He plans to expand FATA’s influence by extending membership to other Asian countries, strengthening ASEAN’s position in the global tourism arena.
Assisting Tan in steering FATA towards this new era are industry professionals, including Pauline Suharno as deputy president, Evangeline Manotok as honorary treasurer, and Charles Tan as honorary secretary general, representing a diverse array of ASEAN member associations.
As FATA embarks on this transformation journey, it reaffirms its unwavering commitment to nurturing the interests of South-east Asia’s dynamic travel and tourism sector. This new chapter is not just about growth, but about fostering a spirit of cooperation and camaraderie among industry stakeholders, propelling South-east Asia to the forefront of global tourism, FATA declared in a press statement.
The Federation of ASEAN Travel Associations (FATA) has unveiled its new leadership with Tan Kok Liang at the helm, marking a pivotal moment for South-east Asian tourism.
Tan steps into the presidency for the term spanning 2024 to 2026, succeeding the stewardship of Pauline Suharno from the Indonesian Travel Agents Association.
Expressing gratitude for Suharno’s dedication, Tan said: “Pauline has steered FATA admirably through the post-pandemic landscape, and we thank her for her unwavering commitment.”
Tan, a recipient of the prestigious Tourism Promotion Organization (TPO) Best Tourism Industry Leader Award, brings a wealth of experience and a visionary outlook to his role. He is dedicated to elevating FATA’s profile and revitalising South-east Asian tourism in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Tan’s strategic agenda includes positioning the ASEAN brand as an enticing choice for international travellers, with a focus on showcasing the region’s diverse destinations and recreational offerings.
Under Tan’s leadership, FATA will prioritise initiatives such as international travel trade shows to promote South-east Asian tourism and foster regional mobility. Tan applauds Thailand’s innovative visa proposal as a catalyst for enhancing intra-ASEAN travel and believes it will revolutionise regional mobility.
“Let’s seize the moment,” Tan urges, emphasising the untapped potential of intra-ASEAN tourism. With only seven per cent of the region’s population currently engaged in intra-ASEAN travel, Tan envisions a vibrant market ripe with affordability and a plethora of experiences waiting to be explored.
Tan’s vision extends beyond traditional tourism hotspots, advocating for the discovery of hidden gems and unique experiences across South-east Asian countries. Collaborations with industry leaders like AirAsia aim to create an interconnected South-east Asia tapestry, making travel within the region both accessible and exciting.
Furthermore, Tan aims to position FATA as a driving force for business-to-business opportunities and knowledge exchange among South-east Asian stakeholders. He plans to expand FATA’s influence by extending membership to other Asian countries, strengthening ASEAN’s position in the global tourism arena.
Assisting Tan in steering FATA towards this new era are industry professionals, including Pauline Suharno as deputy president, Evangeline Manotok as honorary treasurer, and Charles Tan as honorary secretary general, representing a diverse array of ASEAN member associations.
As FATA embarks on this transformation journey, it reaffirms its unwavering commitment to nurturing the interests of South-east Asia’s dynamic travel and tourism sector. This new chapter is not just about growth, but about fostering a spirit of cooperation and camaraderie among industry stakeholders, propelling South-east Asia to the forefront of global tourism, FATA declared in a press statement.