Events, Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

The much awaited TAAI Convention 2023, hosted by the Travel Agents Association of India, in Collaboration with Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) kicked off with a grand opening yesterday, 6th July at the BMICH, under the patronage of H.E President Ranil Wickramasinghe, who will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest , and Hon. Harin Fernando, Minister of Tourism , as the guest of Honor. The convention will be held from 6th to 9th July 2023, generating a lot of trade opportunities for both local and Indian Travel Industry stakeholders. TAAI will be hosting their 67thConvention this year, with 500 participants and 50 Indian Media personnel, highlighting it as a top level travel event in the Tourism calendar, bringing key industry stakeholders, representatives and delegates from both countries. Sri Lanka Tourism is the main sponsor of the event and supported by SLAITO and Sri Lankan Airlines. A joint press conference is also scheduled to be held tomorrow under the patronage of the Hon. Minister of Tourism, Harin Fernando, Ms. Jyoti Mayal , President TAAI , Mr. Chalaka Gajabahu , Chairman SLTPB and Mr. Nishad Wijetunga, President ,SLAITO.
As side events of this convention, a two-day business session and a Buyer –Seller meet which will be held at Cinnamon Grand Colombo and Shangri La Colombo on 7th and 8th July respectively. The B2B sessions, which will be mainly conducted for the local and Indian trade representatives, will give them an opportunity to expand their businesses and share trade information of both countries.  There will be 500 participants from the Indian travel trade who will participate in these meetings whereas 150 participants from the Sri Lankan Travel trade will join this opportunity.
The Sri Lankan theme dinner on the 7th of July 2023, will be held at the Cinnamon Grand hotel with the participation of Hon.  Dinesh Gunawardena, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, and the Hon. Minister of Tourism, Harin Fernando along with of   Travel Industry representatives and Tourism officials. The occasion will be further enhanced by a cultural performance by the Channa –Upuli Performing Arts Foundation.
The closing gala dinner which is to be held at the Heritance Negombo on the 8th of July 2023, will include extra glamour and color with the participation of popular Sri Lankan artists, Sri Lankan and Indian travel representatives and cultural performances by the Gayan Srimal dance troupe. The event will be held under the patronage of Hon. Minister of Tourism.
TAAI Conventions (Indian Travel Congress) are most eagerly awaited events of the Travel & Tourism industry. The huge visibility, this annual event of TAAI, brings to the global industry is immense. As India has been a friend of Sri Lanka in many aspects – Cultural, Bilateral and economical, this will be another great opportunity to develop industrial contacts and business opportunities with the Indian counterparts. India is a key source market for Sri Lanka Tourism, a which brings the highest number of tourist arrivals on a daily basis. The publicity and the promotion given through this event will spread a positive message about Sri Lanka and encourage more Indian tourists to come and explore the country which has so much to offer as a Travel Destination.ADVERTISEMENTTAAI’s area of activity extends to Aviation; Tourism – outbound & inbound; MICE – inbound & outbound; Adventure Tourism; Sports Tourism; Education etc. TAAI Members are involved in all these activities and there is no other Travel & Tourism Association in India with this strength and band-width offering leadership to this most growing industry.
The TAAI Convention will be a great opportunity to promote Sri Lanka by enhancing its position as one of the most sought after travel destinations to further promote Indian market for an year round destination.

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Plan your nuptials and honeymoon in Saint Lucia for memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. With her windswept beaches and moonlight-soaked seascapes, she exudes romantic mystique.Amid some of the finest Caribbean destination wedding and honeymoon settings imaginable, your happily-ever-after truly will be.
Voted as the World’s Leading Honeymoon DestinationAs an island named the “World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination” by the World Travel Awards fourteen times, Saint Lucia is a refuge and an escape for lovers. The weddings, honeymoons, and romantic getaways of your dreams take place in Saint Lucia; the island’s luxurious accommodations will do justice to the occasion. You’re sure to cherish these memories for a lifetime.

From dazzling beaches to adventurous excursions, Saint Lucia has the perfect venue for any couple. Imagine being married among the backdrop of the waterfalls. Or choose from options featuring incredible views, majestic parks, or historical churches for a variety of faiths. The island’s luxurious resorts also offer many attractive venues and Caribbean wedding packages.
ADVERTISEMENTWEDDING PLANNINGTake advantage of the island’s insider knowledge to craft the ultimate dream wedding. From the paperwork, flowers and photography to the cake and reception, wedding planning can be a lot to juggle. But Saint Lucia’s extensive list of planners are available to help you with every single one of these needs. They’ll make arranging your perfect island wedding an absolute breeze.

WEDDING REQUIREMENTS IN SAINT LUCIADeciding on a Saint Lucia wedding is a decision you won’t regret, now it’s time for the paperwork. There are just a few things you’ll need to do to get married here. Discover the requirements to tie the knot on this award-winning island.

HONEYMOON ACTIVITIESEnchanting and idyllic, Saint Lucia welcomes newlyweds and honeymooners with open arms. Soak up her sun on golden-sand beaches, journey out on a spectacular sunset cruise, and experience views of the Pitons from the water. Revive yourself under rainforest waterfalls or soar through rainforest canopy on a zip-line. No matter how you choose to spend your honeymoon on our island, you’ll love experiencing all she has to offer.

WEDDING PACKAGESSaint Lucia is blessed with an array of amazing resorts, many of which offer incredible wedding packages. Each resort’s romantic package is specially designed to make your dreams come true and create unforgettable memories on your special day. Discover what each resort has to offer to design your perfect Saint Lucia wedding.

READY TO CELEBRATE YOUR ROMANCE IN SAINT LUCIA?Whether it’s for your wedding, honeymoon, or simply a getaway, prepare to indulge in the romantic adventure of your dreams in Saint Lucia. Plan your trip today to learn why Saint Lucia has been named as the “World’s Leading Honeymoon” again and again. When planning your Caribbean honeymoon or destination wedding, there’s no other island like her. Let her inspire you.
The magical island of Saint Lucia will host the World Travel Awards Caribbean & The Americas Gala Ceremony 2023 on 26 August 2023. The leading travel industry figureheads from across the region will attend the red-carpet reception at Sandals Grande St. Lucian.
Graham Cooke, Founder, World Travel Awards, says: “I am honoured to unveil Saint Lucia as the host of our Caribbean & Americas Gala Ceremony 2023, in this our landmark 30th anniversary. Saint Lucia is helping to spearhead the recovery of travel and tourism in the Caribbean, and I am delighted this captivating island will form a crucial part of our anniversary tour.”He adds: “World Travel Awards has maintained its position as the industry leader for the past 30 years, consistently proving its value as the global benchmark for recognising excellence in travel and tourism. I look forward to joining the most senior travel industry figureheads from across the Caribbean and The Americas for what promises to be a fabulous event, acknowledging those organisations spearheading the growth of the region’s travel and tourism sector.”

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H.E. Gloria Guevara Co-Founder The Sustainable Tourism Global Centre (STGC) Chief Special Advisor at Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia
Over the course of a week, industry leaders across the Travel & Tourism sector came together in London with the hope of creating a more sustainable future.
In its fifth year, London Climate Week brought together the collective talent and initiative of participants to find global common solutions to counteract climate change and preserve the planet for future generations. This event offered a great opportunity to come up with real and tangible solutions to counter the greatest crisis of our time.It is vital we acknowledge the impact that the Travel & Tourism sector is having on the environment and commit to transforming it into a force for positive change.Events such as London Climate Week act as important platforms for strategic discussion and collective thinking between leaders from around the world, to implement action which can – and must – move to a more sustainable future and take that important step towards net-zero.Why is this so important? Travel & Tourism is responsible for roughly 8% of the world’s carbon emissions, so we bear a direct responsibility towards finding sustainable solutions for our sector. While Travel & Tourism brings people closer together, creates jobs, provides opportunities, and fosters cultural exchange, it has unfortunately also contributed to the current climate emergency.That’s why we must take this, and every opportunity, to raise awareness, initiate meaningful conversations, work on solutions, and inspire the next generation to drive significant and lasting change.Our world is facing numerous environmental challenges that are directly affecting climate, including deforestation, pollution, and biodiversity loss. The time for any complacency has passed. We need to work together to address these challenges now- and we must engage all those who have a stake in our future.The next generation will play a key role in shaping our path forward. Yet, data shows that 73% of young people feel they have insufficient decision-making power and the correct tools to make an impact on climate change. The same percentage also say they are extremely worried about the state of our planet. A platform is needed for the younger generation to share their thoughts and ideas to the world, so their passion and creativity can be used to drive positive change in the Travel & Tourism sector.We need to adopt a holistic and inclusive approach to tackle climate change from every perspective, including finding solutions to reduce emissions, reducing food waste, decreasing plastic usage, among the many other paths to push positive economic growth across the sector.While large businesses and destinations are key, we cannot forget small businesses, which are the backbone of the world economy. The 400 million small businesses globally, which account for over 95% of firms and 60-70% of employment, will play a pivotal role in achieving sustainability.In the UK alone, the country’s 5.5 million MSME’s account for 99% of all companies and contribute towards half of the UK economy. These businesses also account for 80% of the Travel & Tourism sector.Engaging with them and leading by example to show how to operate sustainably is absolutely essential. Yet, most still lack access to practical and easy-to-use toolkits which outline ways to conduct sustainable practices.That is where the Sustainable Tourism Global Center (STGC) steps in. It is the world’s first multi-country, multi-stakeholder global coalition which will lead, accelerate, and track the tourism industry’s transition to net-zero emissions, as well as drive action to protect nature and support communities.Launched in October 2021 and based in Saudi Arabia, the STGC will work with Travel & Tourism MSMEs, among other key groups, to enable their transition to sustainability, by offering accessible knowledge, actionable toolkits, and innovative innovation, to facilitate this critical change.The transition of businesses, large and small, to sustainable business models could open economic opportunities worth at least US$ 12 trillion and create up to 380 million jobs in the lead up to 2030 across sectors globally.The STGC will share best practices and provide timely solutions for Travel & Tourism to proactively tackle the climate and biodiversity crisis. In its initial phase, the Center will invest in research and development, showcase clean technologies solutions, and promote circular economy principles to contribute to a greener and more prosperous world.Our sector has a tremendous opportunity to drive innovation and foster collaboration to both inspire travelers and encourage stakeholders to embrace sustainable practices. And London Climate Week continues to be an incredible base for valuable discussion and catalyst for climate action; but as time is not on our side, the time for action is now.It is our duty to ensure travel becomes a catalyst for positive change, benefiting business, communities, and the planet. That’s why STGC is prioritizing sustainability to ensure it is integrated into the very DNA of travel. Together, we just might make the change our future depends upon.

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Bansko, a rural town nestled in the Pirin mountains, witnessed an extraordinary event last week (June 25 – July 2). Over 700 digital nomads from around the globe converged here for a memorable week-long conference and festival.The most represented countries at Bansko Nomad Fest 2023 were:
United States 22.3%Germany 11.2%Bulgaria 9.6%United Kingdom 8.8%Israel 8.0%Canada 4.8%Estonia 3.6%Japan 2.8% Spain 2.8%Netherlands 2.4%Italy 2.0%Belgium 2.0%Serbia 2.0%Australia 1.6%Cyprus 1.6%But there were also representatives of countries such as India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Colombia, Paraguay, China, New Zealand, Poland, Ukraine, France, Portugal, Switzerland, Albania, Greece, Croatia, and more.
Since its inception in 2016, Bansko has become a popular digital nomad hub, thanks to the efforts of Matthias Zeitler, originally from Germany, who established a thriving coworking space and community. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, Bansko Nomad Fest commenced in 2020, with approximately 100 participants. The event’s remarkable success led to its continuous growth each year.

This year, Bansko Nomad Fest achieved new heights, attracting 700+ attendees, 60 speakers, and a dedicated team of 120 volunteers, committed to delivering an exceptional experience.The event encompassed a diverse range of activities, including knowledge sharing sessions, valuable networking opportunities, and immersive experiences showcasing the region’s rich culinary delights, wines, and thrilling mountain adventures. Evening festivities added to the vibrant atmosphere, with parties that created lasting memories.ADVERTISEMENTIn addition to the scheduled talks on two event stages during mornings, participants took part in over 100 spontaneous unconference sessions, proposed by the attendees themselves on the first day.
The official talks covered a wide array of topics, such as AI, productivity, work-life balance, passive income, self-publishing, real estate investing, coworking, coliving, and emerging travel trends. The complete lineup of speakers can be found on the event’s website: https://www.banskonomadfest.com/.

The unconference sessions offered interactive discussions on diverse subjects, including book writing, building local nomad communities, app development without coding, affiliate marketing, and more. Some of the unconference session had an interactive form like a Thai boxing class or a meditation workshop.
Outdoor enthusiasts delighted in activities like hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, rafting, ATV trips, yoga, volleyball, and a football tournament. Cultural experiences were also abundant, with participants savoring traditional Bulgarian cuisine during delightful dinners, participating in wine-tasting tours, and exploring local attractions such as the Bear Sanctuary and Rila Monastery.
The evenings were filled with exuberant parties and enjoyable activities, including bonfires, pool parties, improv shows, speed dating, scavenger hunts, and karaoke sessions.
Moreover, Bansko Nomad Fest organized a startup pitching session in collaboration with the Founder Institute, providing startups with a platform to present their ideas to investors and business angels from Sofia. The lead investor on the Bulgarian version of Shark Tank, Pavel Ezekiev, was among the esteemed guests.
​​Bansko Nomad Fest also takes pride in its commitment to giving back to the local community by supporting two local charities, Bansko Street Dogs and the Sunflower Foundation, which aids disadvantaged individuals in the area.
The participants of Bansko Nomad Fest represent a diverse range of backgrounds, encompassing remote workers, freelancers, startup founders, online business owners, content creators, and coaches specializing in various fields, such as life and business coaching, personal training, yoga, book coaching, meditation guidance, human design coaching, and many more.
For more information and updates, please visit the Bansko Nomad Fest website: https://www.banskonomadfest.com/ or contact: [email protected]

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NATURAL HEALINGWith over 1,300 different species of wild flowering plants and 150 species of fern squeezed into just 620 square kilometres, Saint Lucia is a botanical paradise. Discover the many plants and trees that have been part of traditional Saint Lucian medicine for generations. Cover your skin in the therapeutic volcanic mud and dip in the hot baths at Sulphur Springs, plunge into one of the island’s refreshing waterfalls or take a guided hike or bird-watching tour in the lush rainforest.

TREATMENTS & THERAPIESSaint Lucia has a rich history of offering rejuvenating and restorative treatments. The baths in the Sulphur Springs date back to the 1700s and were built to access the therapeutic waters of the volcano. In addition to the restored baths and natural practices available, there are an impressive choice of spas and salons in hotels and independently across the island that provide a wide range of treatments and programmes to pamper and indulge you. Enjoy spa therapies and beauty treatments in stunning locations such as open-air rooms, rainforest showers and spectacular sea views. You’ll also find locally sourced and created products alongside international brands.

EATING WELLSaint Lucia’s varied history is ever-present in its food with Creole flavours alongside international cuisine. If you’re looking for healthier menus there’s a great choice available. Across hotels and independent restaurants you’ll find vegan and vegetarian options and locally produced juices such as pineapple, soursop and tamarind. Chefs make full use of home-grown tropical fruit, vegetables and freshly caught seafood to create delicious, well-balanced dishes.ADVERTISEMENT
MIND AND BODYThere are an ever-growing number of fitness and relaxation classes such as yoga, pilates and tai chi available in hotels and standalone centres. Or get inspired with one of the many wellness retreats with stunning views of the Pitons, the sea and the forest. You can start the day with yoga at sunrise on the beach or wind down with meditation at sunset in the open air.

MEDICAL MEETS WELLNESSThe award-winning wellness centres on the island take Saint Lucia’s wellness offering to the next level. The Bodyholiday resort for example, has the most comprehensive collection of services in the Caribbean and works regularly with specialists and experts from around the world to offer ground-breaking treatments. The Landings Resort and Spa has just launched the region’s first programme dedicated to female wellbeing with each product used during the custom treatments carefully selected to address a variety of female concerns. With more medically focussed therapies being developed the island is fast becoming a sought-after destination in this field.
The magical island of Saint Lucia will host the World Travel Awards Caribbean & The Americas Gala Ceremony 2023 on 26 August 2023. The leading travel industry figureheads from across the region will attend the red-carpet reception at Sandals Grande St. Lucian.
Graham Cooke, Founder, World Travel Awards, says: “I am honoured to unveil Saint Lucia as the host of our Caribbean & Americas Gala Ceremony 2023, in this our landmark 30th anniversary. Saint Lucia is helping to spearhead the recovery of travel and tourism in the Caribbean, and I am delighted this captivating island will form a crucial part of our anniversary tour.”He adds: “World Travel Awards has maintained its position as the industry leader for the past 30 years, consistently proving its value as the global benchmark for recognising excellence in travel and tourism. I look forward to joining the most senior travel industry figureheads from across the Caribbean and The Americas for what promises to be a fabulous event, acknowledging those organisations spearheading the growth of the region’s travel and tourism sector.”

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Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers Club (EFC), the 20th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX 2023), will be held from 2 to 8 September 2023.The exhibition, which is the largest of its kind in the Middle East and Africa, will feature 11 diverse sectors, including arts and crafts, equestrian, falconry, hunting tourism and safari, hunting and camping equipment, hunting and shooting sports guns and equipment, preservation of environment and cultural heritage, outdoor leisure vehicle and equipment, veterinary products and services, fishing equipment and marine sports, and media.
The Higher Organising Committee of ADIHEX announced that the exhibition will be held over a period of seven days for the third time in its history, in response to the demands of both visitors and exhibitors. Local, regional, and international companies have praised this qualitative shift within the exhibition development strategy, reflecting the increasing public turnout, and meeting the aspirations of falconry, hunting, equestrian and heritage enthusiasts.
Several interactive digital services and promotional benefits were announced through the official website of ADIHEX to ensure a smooth and exceptional experience for all exhibitors.
Majid Ali Al Mansouri, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of ADIHEX, the Secretary General of the EFC, expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, may God protect him, and to H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, Chairman of the Emirates Falconers Club, for the great support provided by Their Highnesses the Sheikhs to the exhibition, and for all the local efforts that contribute to the protection of the Emirati and human heritage.
He expressed his contentment with the various successes of ADIHEX, and its rich program with its many features, shows, and workshops that succeeded in attracting a wide audience. He emphasised that the next edition would witness the presence of many new products, innovations, and features that meet the aspirations of exhibitors and visitors interested in the sectors of the largest hunting, equestrian, and heritage preservation exhibition in the Middle East and Africa.ADVERTISEMENTThe next edition of ADIHEX will be organised by the Emirates Falconers Club, under the theme “Sustainability and Heritage… A Reborn Aspiration”, with the official sponsorship of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, the International Fund for Houbara Conservation (IFHC), and the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC) where the event takes place. Whereas the golden sponsor is the German company SCHIWY, the sector sponsor is Caracal International LLC, and the official automotive industry partner is ARB UAE.
The supporting partners of ADIHEX are the Ministry of Interior, Abu Dhabi Police, the Cultural Programs and Heritage Festivals Committee, the Emirates Heritage Club, the Emirates Arabian Horse Association, the Abu Dhabi Chamber, and the British Chamber of Commerce in Abu Dhabi. The industry partners are the International Association for Falconry and Conservation of Birds of Prey, the European Foundation for Falconry and Conservation, the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, Dubai International Horse Fair, The Game Fair – France, and JAGD & HUND in Germany, and the American Chambers of Commerce in the Emirates. In addition to the visitor experience partners are Mohamed bin Zayed Falconry & Desert Physiognomy School, and the Arabian Saluki Center in Abu Dhabi.
It is noteworthy that more than 900 companies and brands from 58 countries participated in the last edition, over an area exceeding 60,000 square meters, and provided about 150,000 visitors with the latest technologies, innovations, and trends in falconry, hunting, and equestrian industry, including hunting and camping equipment, accessories, as well as falconry tools and traditional and modern hunting methods, in addition to the best hunting destinations in the world.
The last edition of ADIHEX hosted 127 speakers who participated in presenting their techniques, skills, visions, and professional experience through 134 specialised workshops that represented a source of knowledge, awareness, and a means for business success and development. The workshops were categorised into four educational platforms: sustainability, outdoor adventures, arts and crafts, and connect with nature.
More than 100 live performances of birds of prey, Salukis, and police dogs (K9) were also held, along with exciting heritage and sports shows that enhanced the exhibition’s attractiveness, in addition to educational activities and innovative artistic, cultural, and scientific competitions which attracted hundreds of competitors.
The auctions of camels and falcons were among the noticeable features of the event, and provided a valuable opportunity to get closely acquainted with some of the most important pillars of Emirati and Arab heritage and authentic traditions.

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Morocco has been announced as Premier Partner of WTM London 2023

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The partnership with World Travel Market, 6-8th November, will turn the spotlight on Morocco.
The Premier Partnership announcement comes as Morocco experiences growth in its tourism activity, aiming to double the number of incoming tourists to 26 million by 2030, elevating Morocco as a leading leisure destination to the world’s travel trade.It is already known that Morocco’s presence at World Travel Market London will focus on the “Morocco, Kingdom of Light” international campaign of the Moroccan National Tourism Office.Launched in April 2022, this campaign was designed to inspire a new generation of traveller, showcasing the attractions and experiences of a “contemporary and dynamic” nation.
World Travel Market, the most influential travel and tourism event in the world, provides the perfect opportunity for Morocco to demonstrate its efforts in joining the league of highly favoured destinations.
Morocco’s relationship with WTM spans far beyond Premier Partner of the flagship London event, as the destination has also seen tremendous success participating in ATM, ILTM, IBTM, IFTM, and IGTM. The Moroccan National Tourism Office is relying on commercial events to boost the activity of all Moroccan tourism professionals.
Adel El Fakir, General Director of the Moroccan National Tourism Office, said:“Our presence at WTM London will be an excellent showcase to further boost the attractiveness of the Moroccan tourism destination. We will thus be in the heart of the action when tourism professionals from around the world come up with new products for 2024 and beyond, and we will also be at the forefront in terms of communication and promotion of the country.”ADVERTISEMENTJuliette Losardo, Exhibition Director at World Travel Market London, said:“We are thrilled to announce Morocco as Premier Partner for World Travel Market London 2023 and excited to support them in reaching their goals for 2030. WTM London is the world’s most influential travel and tourism event, as well as being the sourcing hub for international travel buyers, and so provides the ideal place for Morocco to showcase what they have on offer, highlighting their vibrant culture and incredible hospitality.”

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ITE HCMC 2023 – The largest and most established travel event in Vietnam and Mekong sub-region will take place from 07 – 09 September 2023 at the Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center (SECC), District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
On June 24th 2023, Vietnam National Assembly approved the amendments and supplements of the Law on Foreigners’ Entry into, Exit from, Transit through, and Residence in Vietnam, including extending the e-visa validity period to 90 days. This policy is expected to enhance the competitiveness of Vietnam’s tourism industry and create a boost to promote its development, attracting international visitors in the coming time. Furthermore, promotion and marketing are essential activities to boost tourism development and enhance destination’s competitiveness. ITE HCMC is considered one of the important and effective solutions for this purpose.
The 17th International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City, themed “Connectivity, Growth, Sustainability”, offers three full days of opportunities to network with international and local exhibitors, as well as high-level forums, informative seminars, and top-notch entertainment experiences.
This year, ITE HCMC 2023 will double its scale compared to last year with exceptional quality. Therefore, the event is expected to attract leaders in the international travel industry and over 400 exhibiting companies & brands, of which, the booths from domestic units make up more than 70% and about 30% are international units. As of the end of June 2023, the exhibition has covered over 70% of the exhibition area, with the participation of National Tourism Organizations (NTOs) from countries such as Cambodia, Chile, Taiwan (China), Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Japan, the Philippines, and Thailand; Regional Tourism Organizations (RTOs) from St.Petersburg (Russia), Seoul (South Korea), and over 45 provinces and cities of Vietnam, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho City, Da Nang City, Hai Phong City, An Giang, Ba Ria – Vung Tau, Bac Lieu, Ben Tre, Binh Dinh, Binh Phuoc, Binh Thuan, Ca Mau, Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Dong Nai, Dong Thap, Gia Lai, Ha Giang, Ha Tinh, Hau Giang, Kien Giang, Kontum, Lai Chau, Lao Cai, Lang Son, Lam Dong, Long An, Khanh Hoa, Ninh Binh, Ninh Thuan, Nghe An, Phu Yen, Quang Binh, Quang Nam, Quang Ninh, Quang Tri, Soc Trang, Tay Ninh, Thanh Hoa, Tien Giang, Thua Thien – Hue, Tra Vinh, Vinh Long, and Yen Bai.
In addition, the exhibition has attracted the leading tourism businesses such as Saigontourist Group, BenThanh Tourist, Vietravel, Tan Son Nhat Hotel, Holiday Inn & Suites Saigon Airport, Melia Hotels International, Movenpick, Tam Chuc National Tourism Area, Tung Lam Tourism Area, Muong Thanh Hospitality, and other sponsor in-kind: The Cocoon Vietnam, BLUSaigon and many more.ADVERTISEMENTITE HCMC 2023 will be held in a hybrid format, combining physical booths and 2D online booths. These online booths will inform international buyers about products, services and a pre-appointment booking system to connect with sellers. Furthermore, the local experience areas will also be the highlight of this year’s expo when displaying and introducing the unique cultural features of Vietnam to international firms and the public through handicrafts, coffee, traditional art workshops, and many more.
Moreover, ITE HCMC has the exclusive Hosted Buyer Program which provides an opportunity for international tourism businesses to grow their markets and broaden tourism partners’ networks in Vietnam and the Lower Mekong region. The Organizing Committee, together with the Advisory Board comprised of the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham), and leading tourism businesses, to select and invite over 200 international buyers from 20 countries and territories (increasing by more than 25% compared to 2022). The Hosted Buyer Program is expected to welcome decision makers from international travel agencies, MICE travel companies, luxury travel companies from key inbound markets and potential markets like mainland China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, USA, Canada, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Australia, India, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait and many more.
Within the framework of ITE HCMC 2023, Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism also cooperates with the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism to organize many exciting activities such as Gala Dinner x World Travel Award – Asia & Oceania Ceremony, Seminar on the introduction of key tourist markets, ITE HCMC Awards 2023, Travel Fun Fair Day and many more.
ITE HCMC 2023 is organized under the guidance of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, organized by Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism and Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Promotion Center, CIS Vietnam, and Le Bros.
Event information:Exhibition date: 07 – 09 September 2023
09:00 – 16:00, 07 – 08 September 2023: exclusively for business visitors16:00 – 18:00, 07 – 08 September 2023: for both business visitors and the public09:00 – 18:00, September 9th, 2023: open to the publicVenue: Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), 799 Nguyen Van Linh, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City.
Highlight events:
Ribbon-cutting CeremonyBusiness matching program between international buyers and exhibitorsHigh-level Tourism Forum on “Digital Transformation Driving Tourism Development” chaired by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City.ASEAN Public Relations and Communications Forum “Destination Marketing & Sustainable Communications”Series of tourism industry seminarsITE HCMC Award 2023World Travel Awards – Asia Pacific CeremonyASEAN PR Excellence Awards 2023 CeremonyVietnam NightCambodia NightWelcome Dinner and Destination survey program for international buyers and pressThank you PartyThe travel agents who are sourcing for Vietnam’s tourism services and products may apply for Hosted Buyer Program via https://itehcmc.travel/buyer-3/buyer-registration/
For National Tourism Organizations (NTOs), Regional Tourism Organizations (RTOs) and travel businesses, who want to showcase their travel services and products may book a stand via www.itehcmc.travel.

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