The 17th International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City 2023 (ITE HCMC 2023) will be held in the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), District 7, from September 7 to 9, 2023. ITE HCMC 2023, with the theme “Connectivity, Growth, and Sustainability,” intends to promote Vietnam’s tourism sector, assuring sustainable growth while presenting its attraction internationally.

Over 1.04 million international tourists arrived in Vietnam in July 2023, representing a 6.5% increase over June. This was the first time in 2023 that the country had more than one million tourists in a month. The country received about 6.6 million international tourists in the first seven months of the year, accounting for 83% of the annual target.

Several initiatives, particularly Government Resolution 82, have aided recovery and long-term growth. Furthermore, the National Assembly accepted the Government’s plans to extend the validity of e-visas for foreigners to 90 days, establishing advantageous conditions for international visitors to visit Vietnam and improving Vietnam’s regional tourism competitiveness.

The theme of the 17th International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City (ITE HCMC 2023) will be “Connectivity, Growth, and Sustainability.” More than 20,000 participants, including foreign buyers and exhibitors, are expected to attend the event to explore potential for innovation and collaboration.

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, and the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Promotion Center are organizing ITE HCMC 2023 in conjunction with CIS Vietnam JSC and Le Bros Company.

The expo, which is aligned with Government Resolutions 82 and 127 for international e-visas, serves as an important platform for promoting Vietnam’s image and Ho Chi Minh City to both local and foreign travelers. The event attempts to improve supply and demand by connecting travel and tourism firms.

The event comprises more than 400 exhibitors and businesses, including worldwide tourism marketing organizations, and has more than quadrupled in size since 2022. Seventy percent of participants are likely to be domestic businesses, with the other 30% being foreign peers.

As of now, the fair has registered over 400 booths, including more than 370 from domestic units and 30 from international ones.

ITE HCMC is Vietnam’s only international travel expo with an International Buyers Program.The program offers chances for foreign tourism enterprises looking to develop their market and bring tourists to Vietnam and the Mekong area.

Over 150 international buyers from more than 31 countries and territories attended ITE HCMC2023. As a result, the ITE HCMC 2023 is expected to host around 6,000 B2B trade appointments between buyers and exhibitors. Over 50 local media partners and 20 overseas press units and influencers from other countries have also covered the event.

Mr. Le Truong Hien Hoa, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, stated that while changes in Vietnam’s visa laws have made foreign travelers more comfortable, synchronized solutions are required to increase the attraction of tourism in Vietnam.

To boost Vietnam’s tourism industry and competitiveness, the 17th International Travel Expo in Ho Chi Minh City will encourage commercial activities, produce and renew tourism goods, and improve destination management.

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ITB China appoints Maldives as the Official Island Travel Partner of ITB China 2023, emphasizing strategic partnership. The collaboration will make the top tourism destination one of the highlights of the trade expo, which will be hosted in Shanghai from September 12 to 14, 2023.

The Maldives booth will be the focal point of the island republic’s expanded participation at ITB China 2023. There will be 33 companies co-exhibiting with the Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), providing the ideal opportunity for domestic tourism professionals to connect with the Maldivian travel trade, establish new business relationships, and explore the endless opportunities awaiting the Chinese tourism industry in the Maldives.

MMPRC will organize a variety of onsite activities, including a raffle, and will be the sponsor of the ITB China customized and themed networking lunch on September 13th, 2023, to bring together industry experts, travel trade, media, and all other stakeholders under one roof, as well as the Presentation Hub Showcase to provide more information on the destination.

“The Chinese market is traditionally one of the most significant markets to the Maldives tourism industry.

The first direct flight from China arrived in January 2023 following a 3-year hiatus. Since then, we have observed a remarkable growth in the arrivals from the Chinese market. ITB China, the leading travel trade fair in China, will bring together industry professionals under one roof for exclusive marketing and networking opportunities. We cannot think of a better opportunity for the Maldives right now to reconnect with the Chinese travel trade and elevate the Maldivian brand to new heights,” says Mr. Thoyyib Mohamed, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director at MMPRC.

The collaboration is one of the centerpieces of MMPRC’s strategy to enhance awareness of the Maldives as a top tourism destination for China’s outbound travel industry. Until the breakout of the pandemic in 2020, the Chinese market regularly topped the arrival charts in the Maldives.

Up to 2019, China led the list of Maldives source markets with a 16.7% market share of incoming passengers. Whereas these statistics were naturally affected during the pandemic years, the Maldives is now aiming for China to quickly reach pre-pandemic arrival figures.

Clearly committed to this goal, the MMPRC has implemented a wide range of activities, including e-learning campaigns, digital campaigns in collaboration with top Chinese apps, outdoor marketing campaigns, joint promotional campaigns, familiarization trips, social media campaigns, and a slew of other physical promotion activities to be held onsite in China for the first time since 2019.

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Karnataka Tourism, known for its captivating blend of ancient heritage, vibrant culture, mesmerizing wildlife, untouched beaches, and exhilarating adventure opportunities, enthralled attendees at TTF Ahmedabad 2023.

The event, held at the Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre from August 23rd to 25th, served as a remarkable platform for Karnataka Tourism to promote its heritage and wildlife with a spacious 207 sq. mts stand.

The Karnataka Tourism stand at TTF Ahmedabad beautifully showcased the state’s opulent heritage and varied wildlife. The booth prominently featured the iconic Lotus Mahal, a testament to the state’s architectural brilliance and regal history. Furthermore, the stand thoughtfully highlighted the state’s diverse wildlife, illustrating the wealth of its natural beauty and biodiversity.

The Karnataka Tourism stand at TTF Ahmedabad 2023 was awarded the Excellence Award for Best Design & Decoration. This accolade underscores the exceptional presentation and innovative design of the stand, underscoring Karnataka’s dedication to offering visitors an engaging and visually enthralling encounter.

The stand effectively combined elements of heritage and wildlife, providing a comprehensive representation of the state’s unique attractions. By seamlessly integrating heritage and wildlife, the Karnataka Tourism stand at TTF Ahmedabad 2023 offered visitors an immersive experience, inviting them to explore the rich cultural tapestry and natural wonders that Karnataka has to offer.

The Karnataka Tourism stand was inaugurated by Shri. Mulubhai Bera, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Gujarat, in the presence of Shri. D Nagaraj – Assistant Director, Department of Tourism, Shri. Ratnakar HT – Tourism Advisor, Jungle Lodges & Resorts, Shri. Poovappa MT – Manager, Jungle Lodges & Resorts and Shri. Saket Das – Manager, KSTDC. The pavilion included various tourism service providers from Karnataka, such as Sps Holidays and Cabs, Mysore International Travels Pvt. Ltd., The Quorum Hotel, Rivido Hotels & Resorts LLP, Wisdom Vacations, Binary Exotica Luxury Hotels & Resorts, Cintacor Island Resort, Tripbanao, Aglaonema Hotels and Resorts, Kadkani River Resorts Pvt. Ltd., Mysore Taxiwala Car Rentals Pvt. Ltd.,  Roopa Elite, Woodstock Resorts, Galore Inn LLP, Bangalore Taxi and Holidays, KTC Tours & Travels, Honeydewwz Exoticaa, TGI Hotels, Binding Resorts Quality Holidays and Cars Pvt. Ltd., Bigtravels, Global Village Luxury Resorts, Rio Meridian Hotels Pvt. Ltd., Elite Tours and Travels, San Group of Hotels, Transprofessionals Tours and Travels Pvt. Ltd., Java Rain Resorts, Hotel Golden Castle, Gate 6 Holidays, Hotel Preethi International Pvt. Ltd., Orange Coaches, Advaitha Serenity Resorts, Trivik Hotels and Resorts Pvt. Ltd., Blue Berry Holidays LLP, Sunshine Logistics, Safeway Explorers Pvt. Ltd., Travel India Company, Niraa Wellness, Gamyam Beach Resort and Spa, Skyway International Travels, Intersight Tours & Travels and Kimmane Golf Resorts further highlighting the comprehensive tourism experiences available.

During the event, the Karnataka Tourism delegation engaged in discussions with domestic tour operators, travel agents, and other key stakeholders. These interactions aimed to strengthen existing ties and establish new partnerships, ultimately boosting tourism to Karnataka.

Karnataka Tourism’s notable presence at TTF Ahmedabad 2023 serves as a testament to its unwavering commitment to showcasing the state’s remarkable potential and captivating offerings. The event garnered an enthusiastic response, with both visitors and trade partners displaying keen interest in Karnataka’s diverse tourism spectrum. With its unparalleled diversity, Karnataka stands as a year-round magnet for tourists, offering experiences that range from serene beach escapades to explorations of ancient monuments and palaces, and even thrilling wildlife encounters. The success of Karnataka’s participation at TTF Ahmedabad 2023 underscores its capacity to entice travellers not only from Ahmedabad but also from regions beyond, further solidifying its status as a premier tourist destination.

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The tourism department of J&K with all its services and products is taking part in the TTF Ahmedabad which got off this morning. Over 100 J&K travel operators and other stakeholders are participating in the TTF Ahmedabad travel fair.

The department has made detailed arrangements for organizing the travel operators from J&K taking part in this mega travel fair. The stakeholders from the UT of J&K is attending the travel fair have commended loved the departments for taking this plunge of arranging this fair.

At the TTF, J&K Tourism is represented by Vivekanand Rai, Director, Tourism, Jammu, Raja Yaqoob, Director Tourism Kashmir, Manav Gupta, Secretary, Jammu Tawi Golf Course, and Malik Waseem Ahmed, Deputy
Director Tourism Kashmir.

Previously, a huge number of visitors comprising potential customers and travel agents came to the JK Tourism stall at the fair and evinced deep interest in the services, destinations, and products offered.

Mr. Mulu Bhai Bera, the Tourism Minister of Gujarat, Hareet Shukla, the Tourism Secretary of Gujarat, and Saurabh Padri, the Managing Director of Gujarat Tourism, among many others came to the tourism stall of JK at the fair and commended the department’s initiations.

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Goa Tourism Development Corporation (Goa Tourism) took part in the Travel and Tourism Fair
(TTF) for 3 held in Gandhinagar. This was held from August 23 to 25 this year at the Mahatma Mandir
Convention and Exhibition Center in Gandhinagar.

This is one of the foremost travel and trade carnivals of Gujarat and India. This is also one of the principal
travel trade events of Gujarat. India delivers an outstanding stage to share travel-related intuitions
and prospects, generating important B2B contacts to progress prospects in the segment. Goa Tourism
offered several tourism stuffs at TTF this year and shared facts regarding several tourist spots and
forthcoming mammoth occasions held by Goa Tourism.

A representative of Goa Tourism said that TTF is one of the biggest travel and tourism carnivals to be
organized in India, where they display a number of tourism products and tourist places in Goa and
mammoth happenings held by Goa Tourism to numerous travel fanatics, travel segment specialists,
local budget travelers and global travelers from Goa and India. In these huge events, Goa Tourism would
display Goa’s fascinating travel spots, right from the beaches of the state, cruise and adventure tourism,
water sports, religious tourism, cultural inheritance and places of wellness tourism.

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The Tourism Business Council of South Africa expects the BRICS Summit to boost tourism in the country.

Speaking to a news agency before the 15th BRICS Summit, which got underway in Johannesburg on Tuesday, Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, the council’s CEO, said that it is expecting the summit to bring more tourists to the African nation.

Tshivhengwa said that it’s a major event. They are expecting it to boost their tourism. The booking of conference space, restaurants and hotels will bring in a lot of revenue.

They need to look beyond the traditional areas that bring in tourists; they need to focus on countries like China to bring more tourists to the country, he said, adding that South Africa ought to make it simple for Chinese tourists to travel to the country.

The 15th BRICS Summit runs through Thursday.

According to Tshivhengwa, around 93,000 Chinese visitors visited South Africa in 2019. The pandemic interrupted the flow of tourists, despite South Africa’s efforts to draw visitors from China.

In the first quarter of 2023, foreign direct spending skyrocketed to 25.3 billion rand ($ 1.3 billion), up by 143.9 percent from a year earlier, according to the Tourism Department’s report on international spending and tourism impact.

Thandiwe Mathibela, a spokesperson for South Africa Tourism, told a news agency that the country had started to welcome visitors from China in March this year.

Events are always the biggest drivers of tourists. People may come to an event for the first time, and they will want to come again to experience the country. Some delegates come with their families, she said.

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Karnataka Tourism eagerly announces its participation at TTF Ahmedabad 2023, India’s premier travel and tourism event scheduled from August 23rd to 25th at Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre.

This esteemed annual event, known as India’s largest travel trade show network, offers an exceptional platform for travel enthusiasts, professionals, and wanderers to explore global travel wonders.

TTF Ahmedabad showcases diverse travel destinations catering to every traveler. For Karnataka Tourism, this is a prime opportunity to engage with travelers, industry experts, and stakeholders, enhancing exposure and connections. The initiative aims to spotlight Karnataka as a premier, comprehensive tourism destination.

With captivating history, stunning landscapes, and cultural richness, Karnataka is an embodiment of India’s heritage. UNESCO sites like Hampi and Mysore Palace, vibrant festivals, traditional art forms, and delectable cuisine showcase its allure. Boasting UNESCO World Heritage biodiversity, Karnataka’s national parks and beaches beckon nature enthusiasts.

Bengaluru, India’s IT hub, and authentic Ayurvedic experiences add to the state’s diversity. Karnataka Tourism’s presence at TTF Ahmedabad seeks to unveil the state’s rich attractions. Attendees can explore diverse travel options, connect with representatives, and gain insights at Stand No. B500.

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The 4 day US Travel Association’s annual conference is held in a different location each year.

This year, they chose the hostess city.

City, state, and federal leaders all meet to discuss different ways to promote tourism to help boost the economy.

They also talk about some of the challenges and concerns. Congressman Buddy Carter says labor is one of those challenges.

Tourism is a very labor intensive industry. It is important as a member of congress that while they are in the district, they meet with those who are the boots on the ground and hear directly from them.

Congressman Carter says there’s also still challenges for international travel.

He says travelers are experiencing long wait times to receive a VISA or passport which prevents the U-S from welcoming new visitors.

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Thailand’s ongoing efforts to develop a distinctive product portfolio for meeting and incentive visitors has again impressed industry stakeholders and meeting planners, who, for the third consecutive year, voted Thailand Best Meeting & Incentive Destination (Asia) at the M&C Asia Stella Awards 2023.

The awards programme recognises outstanding performance in Asia’s MICE industry. This year’s winners were announced at an awards ceremony held at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore on August 16, 2023.

Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) President Mr Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya said: “I thank our industry colleagues, M&C Asia magazine, and its readers for recognising Thailand’s distinction in meetings and incentive travel. This is the third consecutive year Thailand has won the Best Meeting & Incentive Destination (Asia) at M&C Asia Stella Awards and I believe Thailand’s appeal as a top business and leisure destination will be further enhanced by this latest honour. This award will motivate all of us at TCEB as we work with our local and overseas partners to develop new destinations and products for MICE.”

The award came at a time when MI arrivals in Thailand is rising sharply. Data from TCEB-supported groups show that up to July this year the number of overseas MI visitors had more than tripled compared to the same period last year. In the first seven months last year, TCEB supported 37 MI groups with a total of 17,694 visitors. This year, the numbers jumped to 138 groups with 60,568 visitors.

This momentum is expected to be sustained through the end of the year. The strong turnouts at TCEB’s recent roadshows to India and China in July and August suggest that arrival numbers will continue to trend upwards. The India roadshow generated leads on 54 groups with an estimated 47,480 visitors. For China, the tally was 54 groups with 53,306 visitors. TCEB’s participation in international trade shows in the last two years is also keeping Thailand fresh on the minds of business event planners worldwide.

Mr Chiruit added that, for the rest of 2023, TCEB is pressing on with efforts to develop new products for international MICE, especially in new destinations. It is working with provincial authorities, local businesses, and academic institutions to co-create new products that draw on the unique cultural and natural resources of a city or region. TCEB is also working with city destinations to attract or create events and festivals that would appeal to meeting and incentive visitors. The goal is to help planners deliver a most compelling and distinctive MICE experience in Thailand.

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IBTM World has revealed the first details of its new-look Association Leaders’ Forum, which will take place on day one of IBTM World and focus on how the associations community can contribute to the ongoing debate around sustainability and the challenges that come with it.

Taking place at Fira, Barcelona, on Tuesday November 28th, 2023, and produced in partnership with the prestigious ESAE (European Society of Association Executives), the IBTM World Association Leaders’ Forum highlights the power of event professionals to shape culture and drive the future of business. The programme has evolved into the annual meeting point for association leaders to exchange, learn and advance knowledge and best practices in a peer-to-peer setting.

High level presentations, lightning talks and interactive debates are part of a fresh new format designed to infuse energy and foster culture among participants, to replace that sense of community which may have been lost in the shift to home working.

The programme will open with a thought-provoking exploration of association trends for 2024 from Mike Morrissey, ESAE President, and CEO of the European Cancer Organisation. This will be followed by a speaker-led debate moderated by Mohamed Mezghani, Secretary General, UITP (The International Association of Public Transport). The debate will centre on travel and sustainability, with participants exploring the merit of carbon offsetting and the broader positive effects to society that a meeting or a conference can have. Following this, a selection of high-profile association leaders will participate in a panel discussion on how associations can change the world for the better. The discussion will include incorporating ESG into decision making and operations, and explore topics such as DEI, Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility. 

The afternoon’s sessions will feature fast-paced lightning talks on hot topics including Artificial Intelligence, ESG and Impact vs Environment. There will be opportunities to network throughout the forum as well as networking drinks afterwards.

Mike Morrissey said: “When associations come together to share knowledge and ideas, we know they can really make a difference. This forum is a space for association and events professionals to debate the issues that are unique to them. We are delighted to be working with IBTM on the content for this important event and invite all association events professionals to join us, make connections and share their inspiration and ideas.”

David Thompson, Event Director, IBTM World, said: “This engaging forum on the important topic of sustainability, incorporating environment, social and governance, is designed to fuel delegates’ curiosity, inspire attendees to make a difference, and provide the stimulation delegates need to encourage culture to flourish. Business culture thrives when we are together, and the forum provides a space for this culture to grow.”

The ESAE is the leading organisation in Europe for bringing together association professionals. It facilitates the exchange of best practice among peers and ensures that current and future leaders understand association business and strategy.

The Association Leaders Forum is open to Association Buyers and select Media attending IBTM World. To apply for the Hosted Buyer Programme and Forum, submit your details via the IBTM World website.

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