Expo promotes regional tourism

Photo: Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam

A three-day annual International Travel Expo aimed at boosting 3CODE (Three Countries One Destination) tourism program covering Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia has wrapped up in Ho Chi Minh City.

Held at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center in District 7, the event attracted 155 "buyers" from 35 countries and 173 sellers (enterprises and departments offering products and services).

Besides buyers from traditional markets, organizers aimed to explore new markets in North Europe, Spain, Italy and the US.

"This year's expo welcomes Myanmar, preparing to form the new 4CODE," said La Quoc Khanh, deputy director of the HCMC Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

"We hope to see all the six countries of the Greater Mekong Sub-region in the coming expo, to join hands and make the region more interesting in the eyes of international tourists," Khanh said.

Vietnam's national flag carrier as well as the official carrier of the event, Vietnam Airlines, offered up to 85 percent discounts on selected international routes.

The carrier also introduced its "Welcome Christmas in Europe" tour packages at attractive prices.

Thailand organized a conference introducing its Amazing Thailand campaign. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) targets 14 million arrivals by the end of this year, and 15.5 million international tourist arrivals next year.

TAT and the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism have also held a working section.

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