HCM CITY — Việt Nam’s top travel event, the International Travel Expo HCM City, returns for a 13th year in September with the theme “Your Gateway to Tourism in Asia”.

It will celebrate ASEAN’s 50th anniversary and embrace ASEAN as a single, united tourism destination.

The annual event, which is endorsed by the Tourism Alliance of all five countries in the Mekong Region, is the major international tourism event in the Mekong sub-region for both inbound and outbound markets.

The organisers of ITE HCMC are expecting an increase of 20 per cent in participation from last year.

The confirmed exhibitors include airlines, hotels and resorts, tour companies, and travel representatives from countries and territories like Australia, Cambodia, Germany, India,  Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, the Maldives, Myanmar, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, Turkey, the UAE, and Việt Nam.

Apart from an array of networking events, it will also host a series of high-powered seminars on topics related to emerging travel and tourism like tourism sustainability, travel technology, social media for tourism and hospitality and investment in tourism development.

Business matching services, online pre-appointments, and buyer-seller meetings will provide exhibitors a tourism boost.

Last year more than 3,600 meetings were conducted between buyer and sellers at the event, and the organisers expect the number to grow 15 per cent this year.

The event will also invite and host 300 international and regional travel buyers from 50 major markets.

It will have around 50 international media partners from prominent travel, lifestyle, tourism, and broadcast platforms, as well as award-winning travel bloggers and social media professionals.

The public can expect to get travel promotions and packages for domestic and international tours, performances, games and lucky draws on the last day of the event.

Bùi Tá Hoàng Vũ, director of the city Department of Tourism, said: “There was a diverse variety of travel destinations and options available to both trade professionals and the public [last year].

“We are certain this year will be no different, if not more rewarding.”

“Việt Nam is an emerging tourist haven with new destinations and attractions promoted each year.

“We look forward to introducing our traditional Vietnamese warmth and hospitality to our international friends and guests.”

Jack Wei, general manager of Informa Exhibitions, the co-organiser of ITE HCMC, said: “Việt Nam’s booming tourism industry is reaching even greater heights.”

Recently the United Nations World Tourism Organisation ranked Việt Nam seventh in the list of the world’s 20 fastest growing travel destinations.

“ITE HCMC will be the bridge to bring the world to Việt Nam and vice versa,” Wei added.

The event, to be held from September 7 to 9 at the Saigon Exhibition & Convention Centre, will be organised by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, the city Department of Tourism, and the Vietnam Trade Fair & Advertising Joint Stock Company besides Informa. — VNS