The 7th edition of the International Travel Expo, Ho Chi Minh City (ITE HCMC 2011), the largest tourism event in Vietnam and the Indo China Region, returns to the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center in Ho Chi Minh City from 14 to 17 of September 2011. The Exhibition organized by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, VINEXAD and IIR Exhibitions Pte Ltd, is abuzz with new features and interesting programs. The ITE HCMC is widely recognized as the platform for the Greater Mekong Sub-region to showcase its best and newest tourism and travel products and services to the world as well as to engage and network with fellow peers in the region and beyond.
ITE HCMC would again cover both inbound and outbound tourism. Inbound tourism would be focused primarily on the 4-CODe countries and secondarily on ASEAN. Outbound tourism, on the other hand, would target those wishing to travel to other countries for interesting and new holiday experiences.
Fourth Member: After the encouraging successes of the ITE HCMC over the last 6 years this year would welcomes a fourth country, Myanmar, into the fold and thus establishing the new “Four Countries One Destination – 4 CODe” concept. The “4 CODe” concept is also in line with the promotion of ASEAN as a renowned single destination as well as for the implementation of regional integration of ASEAN tourism by 2015. The objectives of the 4 CODe concept are 3-fold i.e.
Promote the countries of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam as a single tourist destination.
Advance the charming images of Vietnam within those who are not only the potential international markets, but domestic travel companies, especially, small entrepreneurs, who will have a chance to approach, exchange and co-operate with international partners.
Increase awareness and promote tourist packages to consumers in Vietnam and the Indo China Region.
For the very first time, ITE HCMC would also be extended to 4 days. The additional day is to provide an extra day for public visitors to attend the exhibition and see firsthand for themselves the latest offerings from participating foreign countries and various Vietnam provinces. The first 2 days of the event, 14-15 September would be strictly for trade visitors which include the hosted buyers and the last 2 days of the event, 16-17 September, would be for public visitors. This year, a Lucky Draw program will be conducted, with many worthwhile prizes such as tour packages, air tickets and travel vouchers from exhibitors.
Hosted Buyers: One of the key features in ITE HCMC 2011, for the growth of inbound tourism, would be its hosted buyers program which aims to attract over 170 key global buyers from major markets that include North America, Scandinavia, Western Europe, Japan, Korea, China and the ASEAN countries. The hosted buyers program would enable international buyers the opportunity to explore tourist destinations and attractions of the 4 countries, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar through one platform and secondarily of the ASEAN countries. Buyers would be meeting travel agencies, tour operators and also exchanging ideas with tourism authorities. The Philippines would be hosting a Buyers’ Lunch with an entertainment program included.
Investment Conference: A key feature event to be held on September 13 would be the “4 CODe” Tourism Investment Conference, organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and for the first time in cooperation with the Tuoi Tre Newspaper and Foreign Research and Investment Center. The Conference aims to attract foreign investment to the tourism industries of Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam.
Opening & Vietnam Nite: The opening ceremony would be held on September 13 too as would the much looked forward to special event, “Vietnam Night” during which the 4 countries would stage special cultural performances to all local and international dignitaries and specially invited trade visitors.
Awards Nite: The gala Tourism Alliance Awards into its third year that the Awards Ceremony would be held was conceptualized to reward, provide recognition and celebrate the brightest tourism stars in the “4 CODe” countries. A total of 10 categories of the prestigious Awards are awaiting winners. The Awards aim to instill a greater sense of pride and achievement for tourism industry professionals, in all 4 countries.
National Pavilions: For ITE HCMC 2011 more than 10 national tourism organizations and 15 Vietnamese provinces have already signed up. The national groups include Cambodia, Laos, Korea, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Malaysia and Taiwan with Hong Kong and the Philippines being new Pavilions. Indonesia would be for the first time featuring 10 of its tourism industries. The national groups would be offering a variety of new and novel destinations, cultural performances and incentive programs for visitors. Provincial participations, each featuring attractive tourist packages, include An Giang, Binh Đinh, Binh Thuan, Ca Mau, Can Tho, Đa Nang, Hoi An, Hue, Khanh Hoa, Lam Dong, Lao Cai, Ninh Binh, Tay Ninh. Among the major exhibitors, to name a few, are Ben Thanh Tourist, Cho Lon Tourist, Hoi An City, Hon Tam Resort, Hoi An Express, Saigon Tourist, Sinh Café, Vido Tour, Vietravel, Vietnam Airlines and Windsor Plaza.
The event is expected to occupy a total area of 4,500 sq m with some 210 exhibiting companies and aims to attract some 15,000 visitors, over the 4 days.
