Vientiane, Lao PDR
September 6, 2016

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte joined his fellow leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at the Opening Ceremony of the 28th and 29th ASEAN Summits in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

He was welcomed upon his arrival at the National Convention Centre (NCC) by the leaders of the host country, President Bounnhang Vorachith and Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith.

During the ceremony, the ten ASEAN Heads of State/Government led the launching of the Visit ASEAN@50 that would highlight the region’s best 50 festivals and 50 most unforgettable travel experiences. Visitors are offered a wide range of ASEAN tourism products such as diverse destinations, culinary, events and engagements with local communities.

The campaign aims to achieve 121 million international tourist arrivals for the region by the end of 2017, increase tourism receipts to US$83 billion, and extend the average length of stay of tourists to 6-7 days, and to more than two ASEAN countries.

This is the first participation of President Duterte in the Summits and his first meeting with the ASEAN Heads of State/Government.

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