First launched in 2005, the ITE HCMCbegan as an event for tourism promotion between three countries in theregion under the theme “Three countries – One destination” but expandedto “Five countries – One destination” in 2013, boosting tourism linksbetween Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand.
The exhibition provides a platform for local-level tourism promotionagencies, travel firms and other industry service providers to introducetheir services, seek overseas partners and expand business.
The number of travel businesses joining the event has risen four-foldover a decade; from 80 in 2005 to 320 last year, making the fair anational and regional travel event.
La QuocKhanh, Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Culture, Sportsand Tourism, said the fair looks to help local travel operators,especially small- and medium-sized firms, gain access to promisingmarkets between 2015 and 2020.
Additionally, thecity aims to turn the event into a regional festival for travellers,promoting destinations, travel services and deals among the five nationsof the Lower Mekong Sub-region.
This year, the ITE HCMC is scheduled from September 10-12 and will celebrate its 11th anniversary.
This year’s event expects to host about 100 travel agencies in thesub-region, 200-350 international businesses and some 25,000 visitors,Vice Chairman of the HCM City People’s Committee Nguyen Thi Hong said,stressing that the tourism sector should work towards sustainabledevelopment.
HCM City plans to organise a seriesof cultural and sporting tourism events and call for more investmentfrom the private sector to expand the industry.-VNA