In what has been an explosion of colour, singing and dancing the 14th International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City 2018 has officially opened at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center.
This year’s event is themed “Your Gateway to Tourism in Asia” and aims to connect Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City with destinations, cities and countries around the world, including Australia.
A dozen hosted buyers from Australia travelled to Vietnam for the show, including representatives from Luxury Escapes, Traveldream, Travel and Taste, Nexus Holidays and Travel Managers.
Personal Travel Manager Aileen Collins who specialises in South East Asia spoke to KARRYON today about her reasons for coming.
“I haven’t been to Vietnam for three years so it was time to update my knowledge.”
Personal Travel Manager Aileen Collins
“ITE is a great drawcard to do some travel around South East Asia as well,” she said.
ITE HCMC is the biggest international trade event in Vietnam and the Mekong sub-region with organisers expecting the three-day event to attract around 30,000 visitors.
Upon opening the event, the Director of the Department of Tourism of Ho Chi Minh City Bui Ta Hoang Vu said it was “an honour and a delight” to play host to the expo.
“We hope our visitors will have a very fruitful time here.”
Director of the Department of Tourism of Ho Chi Minh City Bui Ta Hoang Vu
Today’s opening ceremony was filled with traditional dancing while a “Vietnam Culinary Delights” Gala Dinner last night at the Sheraton Hotel saw many colourful performances accompanied by delicious Vietnamese cuisine.
- READ: Guests from 40 countries gearing up for Ho Chi Minh Travel Expo
- READ: Vietnam is trending as one of the hottest places to visit