Southeast Asian tourism ministers and officials will discuss progress made and steps to be taken towards the goal of establishing the ASEAN Tourism Community by 2019 at an annual meeting in Hanoi next year.

A tourism fair with 450 booths showcasing tourist attractions and tourism products from ASEAN countries will also be held.

About 1,500 people, including ministers, heads of national tourism agencies, businesspeople and media personnel are expected to attend the forum.

Participants will work on plans to implement the ASEAN Tourism Agreement, discuss orientations for co-operation, and implement the roadmap on regional integration towards the goal of building the ASEAN Tourism Community by 2019.

The 28th annual ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ meeting and ATF 2009 will be held from January 5-12.

Reported by Phuong Anh