International Travel Expo ITE–HCMC 2009

HCMC Vice-Chair Mm Lim is welcomed to Malaysia Pavillion by TM Director  Akbal Setia (L) & Melaka Tourism Minister Datuk Seet Har Cheow (centre). Pl anning ahead for 2010…

On 1-3 October 2009, Vietnam’s largest Travel Event the International Travel Expo opened at the Phu Tho Exhibition Centre showcasing tourism products and services from Indochina countries of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia with participating NTOs from Malaysia, Thailand and Philippines. Celebrating its 5^th year, ITE involved 180 tourism Sellers and 200 Buyers from more than 13 countries attracting 14,000 visitors, including 4,939 trade visitors.

A colourful opening ceremony with riveting performances by artistes from Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam greeted Mr. Tran Chien Thang, Vice Minister of Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Sports; Mr. Soukaseum Bodhisane, Vice Chairman of the Lao National Tourism Administration; and Mr. Ong Thong Khon, Cambodia’s Minister of Tourism.

The subject of regional tourism cooperation was reinforced as Ministers outlined the ‘Three Countries – One Destination, or ‘3CODe’ strategy. Key to this strategy, Ministers revealed, was implementation of a single visa policy. Other pledges made include development of infrastructure across the region, increased knowledge sharing, and development of combined tourism products.

ITE 2009 launched the TIC - Tourism Investment Conference – providing Insider perspectives of Tourism market trends, investment development opportunities and challenges. Its attended by over 100 delegates including Tourism Ministers, government leaders, investors and officials from multi-national corporations.

A friendship golf tournament took place between sellers and buyers; while possibly most rewarding for participants was the inaugural TAA - Tourism Alliance Awards to recognise exceptional travel Agents and Hoteliers of each country for performance excellence in their respective industries.

3CODe: 3 Countries One Destination journeys.

This theme unites the tourism appeal for Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos leveraging on discounted Indochina air fares, and anticipated single visa. Their diversity of cultures and beautiful landscapes continue to enchant visitors with a wealth of ancient relics and cultural treasures.

A sample journey starts from either colonial Hanoi or bustling Saigon. Fly into Vientiane, capital of Laos, visit Luang Prabang with it famous temples and King’s Palace on the banks of the mighty Mekong.

From Vientiane, fly to Phnom Penh in Cambodia where the Silver Pagoda, Royal Palace and Khmer Art Museum await your discovery. Complete the Indochina loop by visiting the ancient capital Seam Reap with the huge Angkor Wat complex of temples, pagodas, and ancient walls reflecting glories of the Khmer Empire.

Perceptions:

Sanjeev Aery from Eternity Travel & Tour Pvt Ltd: “Indian tourists are increasingly looking for newer, exciting destinations like Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. In addition to Viet Mark and Sea Links, Melaka Tourism can expect business from us very shortly.”

Melaka Tourism’s Saari Basiron: ITE2009 boosted our visibility for “Visit Historic Melaka means visit Malaysia” Response has been positive, so we plan to request cooler booths in 2010.

Tourism Malaysia’s Director for Vietnam Mohd Akbal Setia: “Our participation creates a positive impact at the biggest travel show in Vietnam. It’s a timely opportunity to reach out to one of ASEAN’s faster growing economies for increased arrivals into Malaysia in 2010.”

FotoStory by Foto Polo