On 20 January 2017, the Closing Ceremony of the 36th ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) & ASEAN Tourism Awards was held in Singapore. H.E. Mr. S. Iswaran, Minister of Trade and Industry of Singapore, and H.E. Ms. Kobkarn Siriyasat Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports of Thailand delivered speeches in the ceremony. Tourism Ministers of ASEAN countries, the Secretary General of ASEAN, and H. E. Mme. Yang Xiuping, Secretary-General of ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) attended the ceremony

Mr. S. Iswaran remarked that tourism is a showcase of the cultures of different countries, as well as a bridge to link the hearts of the people. To enhance tourism cooperation will promote people-to-people exchanges and lay a solid foundation for the friendship among the nations. He thanked the parities for their support to this Forum, and hoped that the parties could take this Forum as an opportunity, make joint efforts to attract more tourists to experience the diversified ASEAN cultures at the 50th anniversary of ASEAN, and, therefore, increase their understanding and love for ASEAN.

Ms. Kobkarn delivered a speech as the next chair for ATF. She said that ASEAN is a big family, with common spirit and shared destinies. Tourism cooperation is an effective way to increase the understanding and friendship among the peoples. It will not only promote social and economic development, but also lay a good foundation for the unity and friendship for the next generation. Thailand will do its best to make the next ATF a success together with other ASEAN countries and the dialogue partners, to jointly push the tourism cooperation to a new height.

The tourism ministers of ASEAN countries presented awards to the representatives of tourism industry of their respective countries in a warm atmosphere.

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