Attending the working session were representatives of the departments of MOCST and the National Administration of Tourism; delegates from Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City and Khanh Hoa.

This is the first time four international travel marts will be organized in a year in Viet Nam: Viet Nam International Travel Mart in Ha Noi - VITM (from 18th to 21st April); International Sea Travel Mart in Nha Trang - ISTM (from 6th to 8th June); International Travel Exhibition in HCM City - ITE (from 12th to 14th September); Red River Delta Tourism Fair in Hai Phong (scheduled in October or November 2013).

Nowadays, Southeast Asia is emerging as an attractive tourist destination, and Viet Nam is also a bright spot to attract tourists and investors. However, the tourism industry still faces some challenges due to consequences of global economic recession, limited tourism expenditure, increasing competition between destinations. The organization of international travel marts 2013 in Viet Nam is expected to create a breakthrough to promote the image of Viet Nam to the world.

In the working session, Minister Hoang Tuan Anh asked the provinces and cities to study the success and experience of ITE HCM City. The Minister directed that cuisine must be a highlight in all marts, in order to build brand of Vietnamese cuisine. The provinces and the cities should co-operate and help each other, co-ordinate with Vietnam Airlines and mass media to promote the marts, invite businesses to attend, as well as ensure the quality of the marts.

Minister Hoang Tuan Anh also pointed out that the organization of international travel marts aims at introducing the tourism potentials and products of the provinces, cities, and famous destinations of the country, attracting international visitors to Viet Nam. The marts thus should be considered products and brand of Viet Nam Tourism. The sucessful organization of the marts would contribute to confirming the position and capacity of Viet Nam tourism in organizing big international events.

The representatives of the provinces and cities showed determination to organize successfully the marts in the year 2013 and prepare for annual organization to become a national tourism brand and promote the image of Viet Nam to the world.

Thu Thuy