At the outset, on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism of the Kingdom of Cambodia and on my own behalf, I am greatly honored to extend my deepest thanks to Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia and Lok Chumteav for taking your tight schedule to preside over the Official Opening of ASEAN Tourism Forum 2011 in this delightful evening.  Taking this opportunity, I would also like to express my warmest welcome with deepest thanks to Excellencies Tourism Ministers, Delegates from ASEAN, China, Japan, Republic Korea, India, Russia as well as ASEAN National Tourism Organizations, Tour Operators, Sellers and Buyers, Travel Agencies, Tour Owners, Airline Companies, National and International Media, Ladies and Gentlemen for taking part in this ASEAN Tourism Forum 2011. 

It is my great pleasure and honor to inform Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Prime Minister, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen that during the past four-day meetings of the National Tourism Organizations  of ASEAN, ASEAN+3 (China-Japan-Republic of Korea), ASEAN+India, ASEAN+ Russia, and the Tourism Ministers Meeting of ASEAN, ASEAN+3 and Great Mekong Sub-region (GMS), we have tremendously achieved the significant results, in particular, the ASEAN Tourism Ministers Meeting discussed and adopted the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan (2011-2015), that is one of the most important strategic documents, aiming to develop ASEAN as a World Class Destination and ASEAN-Feel the Warmth as well as contributing to the development of green economy. This strategic plan mainly focuses on three prioritized strategic directions: 

1. Regional tourism product development and creative marketing and promotion, and tourism investment strategy;
2. Strengthen tourism-related services and human resource development in the region;
3. Promote travel facilitation and regional connectivity.                        

The ASEAN Travel Exchange (TRAVEX), which will start tomorrow, is the biggest gathering between tour operators, in which there are over one thousand sellers (with 511 booths) coming from hotel industry, airline companies, tour operators and travel agents from the ASEAN member states, and 466 buyers from ASEAN, Asia, Europe and America, as well as national and international media. 

-  Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Prime Minister,

- Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen! 

The 30^th ASEAN Tourism Forum 2011 is held under the theme of “ASEAN: A World of Wonders and Diversity”, while the situation of world tourism has been accelerating in a remarkable pace after coming through the hard time of global economic crisis.  In this new opportunity, numerous countries in the region have strived to launch and implement strategic policies, based on the ASEAN Tourism Strategy. As for Cambodia, in conformity with ASEAN strategies, and under the leadership and full support from Samdech Techo Prime Minister and joint cooperation from relevant ministries/institutions, authorities, private sectors and the people, it is also seen various effective strategies taken into force such as the promotional campaign of “Cambodia-Kingdom of Wonders” and competitive movement of “Clean City, Clean Resort and Good Service”. Together with the creation of new cultural and natural tourism products, the strengthening of tourism service quality via the enforcement of Law on Tourism and tourism professional training, travel facilitation and transportation, improvement of regional connectivity, and strengthening the security and tourism safety, Cambodia will truly become the major attractive cultural and natural tourism destination in the region and make tourists feel the warmth. 

Along with this great pleasures and congratulation to the 30^th ASEAN Tourism Forum, I would like to wish Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Prime Minister and Lok Chumteav, the best of health, strength and wisdom, in order to continue leading the ship of Cambodia toward sustainable development and prosperity. I would also like to wish Excellencies Tourism Ministers and ASEAN Tourism Delegates, Tour Operators and Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, National and International Distinguished Guests, the four gems of Buddhist blessing: Longevity, Nobility, Health and Strength, especially new success in this New Year 2011.