It brought together all CPTA member cities, namely Hanoi (Vietnam), Tokyo (Japan), New Delhi (India), Seoul (the Republic of Korea), Taipei (Taiwan, China), Jakarta (Indonesia), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), and Bangkok (Thailand). The two observer cities Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia) and Tomsk (Russia) also attended.

During the three-day meeting, delegates will evaluate the initiatives implemented over the past year and devise plans for new projects.

They will outline the responsibilities of state tourism management agencies and municipal governments, as well as tourism agencies and businesses, toward developing the tourism sector in CPTA member cities.

The event is expected to offer opportunities for strengthening cooperation and mutual understandings about tourism between Hanoi and other members of the CPTA.

At the opening ceremony, Acting Chairman of the CPTA Masahiko Hosaka confirmed that the global tourism market is facing many difficulties as a consequence of the current economic downturn.

He noted Asia's tourism potential remains great and the number of visitors to the region is increasing. Hosaka stressed the importance of inter-city cooperation for the promotion of tourism development.

An area including 40 stalls exhibiting positive images of each CPTA member city is also organised within the framework of the meeting.

As the host, Hanoi will run surveys on October 12 to demonstrate and inform the CPTA delegations about its own unique cultural heritage and tourism products.

This is the third time Hanoi has hosted the regional meeting.