Vietnam’s most important and established travel event, the International Travel Expo, Ho Chi Minh City (ITE HCMC), is excited to return for the 13th year from 7th to 9th September at the Saigon Exhibition & Convention Centre (SECC).
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The annual ITE HCMC is the key international tourism event in Vietnam, and the largest event of its kind in the Mekong subregion for both inbound and outbound markets. Recognised as Vietnam’s one and only National Tourism Event by the Ministry of Culture, Sports & Tourism, it is also the only travel event endorsed by the Tourism Alliance of all five countries in the Mekong Region.
The first two days of the event are catered to trade professionals, and the third day to trade visitors as well as the public; special promotions, travel packages, stage activities and performances will especially enthrall the latter with wanderlust.
THE GLOBAL TOURISM INDUSTRY UNDER ONE ROOF
Following the success of last year’s edition, and the positive positioning of Vietnam as the latest tourism hotspot, the Organisers of ITE HCMC 2017 are expecting an overall increase of 20% in participation from last year. This year’s event will host a multitude of national pavilions, and current confirmed participation include those of Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand, with many more to be announced soon.
The confirmed exhibitors currently include airlines, hotels and resorts, tour companies, and travel representatives from countries like Australia, Cambodia, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, UAE and Vietnam. Many travel companies will also be present at the event.
SEMINARS, INDUSTRY NETWORKING & BUSINESS EXCHANGE
ITE HCMC is more than just an exhibition; apart from an array of networking events, it will also host a series of high-powered seminars on topics relating to emerging travel and tourism, like tourism sustainability, travel technology, social media for tourism and hospitality, investment tourism development, and more.
Special business matching services, online pre-appointments, and buyerseller meetings will provide exhibitors greater exposure and buyers more opportunities to discover that special tourism boost they are searching for. More than 3,600 meetings were conducted between buyer and sellers last year, and the Organisers expect the number to grow 15% this year.
HOSTED BUYERS & MEDIA PROGRAMME
Organisers of the ITE HCMC will also invite and host at the event 300 international and regional travel buyers from 50 major markets like Australia, Cambodia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, UK, US and many others.
The Hosted Buyer Programme allows buyers, from leisure, corporate, MICE, luxury, and special interest travel companies to enjoy pre-show and post-show tours to explore Vietnam; make pre-appointment bookings with sellers online; engage in buyer-seller meetings and attend various networking functions. All hosted buyers are carefully selected and approved by an advisory board with the ITE HCMC Organising Committee.
Additionally, the Organisers will also invite and host 50 international media partners from prominent travel, lifestyle, tourism, and broadcast platforms, as well as award-winning travel bloggers and social media professionals. Some of the activities the media would be invited to include dinners, networking events, and also pre-show and post-show tours showcasing the beauty of Vietnam.
As part of their hosted programme, Hosted Buyers and Media will be treated to exclusive and unforgettable visits to some of Vietnam’s stunning provinces and sights. The itinerary includes: Can Gio mangrove forest, Can Tho, the biggest city in Mekong delta region, Da Lat city, Phu Yen seaside town, Phan Thiet seaside town
EXPLORE MORE OF VIETNAM & THE WORLD
The tourism sector will continue to be an important part of the Vietnam’s economic plan, with the country actively joining tourism promotion and co-operation activities abroad. ITE HCMC presents the best opportunities for buyers and exhibitors to jump on this rising tourism wave and bring their businesses to higher levels.
Mr Bui Ta Hoang Vu, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, says: “Last year’s event was a spectacular one with more than 26,000 trade and public visitors, and 3,633 meetings arranged between buyers and sellers. There was a diverse variety of travel destinations and options available to both trade professionals and the public.”
“We are certain this year will be no different, if not more rewarding. Vietnam is an emerging tourist haven with new destinations and attractions promoted each year, and Hosted Media and Hosted Buyers can expect to explore more of Vietnam through the pre-show and postshow tours. We look forward to introducing our traditional Vietnamese warmth and hospitality to our international friends and guests.”
BRINGING THE WORLD TO VIETNAM
Mr Jack Wei, General Manager of Informa Exhibitions and Co-Organiser of ITE HCMC, adds: “ITE HCMC’s stellar performance record throughout the decade is further strengthened by the success of the 2016 edition, and this has resulted in more exhibitors and buyers participating in this year’s event. My team and I are very excited to meet our new and old exhibitors, buyers and media friends, and we will extend all assistance and support to them.”
“In addition, Vietnam’s booming tourism industry is reaching even greater heights. According to an announcement by the United Nations World Tourism Organization that’s reported in a recent VietnamTourism.com article, Vietnam was ranked seventh in the list of the world’s top 20 fastest growing travel destinations. The country saw a 24.6% surge in the number of foreign visitors in 2016 compared to the previous year.”
“This is an extremely encouraging trend that we believe will be sustained, and ITE HCMC will be the bridge to bring world to Vietnam, and vice versa.”
Wanderlust Tips | Cinet