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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Thai Vietjet was awarded a 5-star rating in sustainable tourism at the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s STAR: Sustainable Tourism Acceleration Rating on August 25, 2023, at an award event in Bangkok.

Under the ‘Fly Green Fund,’ which was formally created in early 2021, the airline was recognized for its ongoing efforts in environmental preservation and sustainable tourism.

Since the inception of the Fly Green Fund, the airline has launched a number of campaigns, including Garbage Hunter, in which the airline formed a group of volunteers to remove trash and garbage from various cities/provinces across Thailand, and ‘Metro Forest,’ in which the airline aims to increase green space in Thailand’s urban areas.

“As an air transportation service provider, Thai Vietjet believes that we are also responsible for environmental sustainability. We have put an enormous effort into reducing pollution from our daily operation, and have taken many actions to protect the environment, reducing the cause of the global warming issue that humanity has been facing. Our appreciation goes to the Tourism Authority of Thailand for recognizing our hard work and effort toward sustainable tourism. We believe that by working together, we will be able to achieve the common goal of promoting sustainable tourism in Thailand” said Mr. PinyotPibulsonggram, Director of Commercial, Thai Vietjet.

The “STAR: Sustainable Tourism Acceleration Rating” initiative is a TAT sustainability program that aids Thailand’s transition to sustainable tourism. Businesses who complete the program’s self-assessment standards will be issued the “Sustainable Star” certificate, which is valid for two years, under the program.

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The return of prominent foreign musicians and live concerts to Bangkok benefits the Thai economy in a variety of ways. International travel for music, sports, and other important events is becoming more popular. Thailand is ideally positioned to capitalize on the worldwide music tourism business, which is expected to reach $11.3 billion by 2032, according to Travel Daily News report.

The increased demand for live music performances in Asia Pacific, with its rapidly rising young population, is expected to drive the worldwide music event industry. That’s one way a constant supply of international performances, with their tremendous crowd-pulling skills, might play a key part in Thai tourism growth.

According to internet research firm QuestionPro, Taylor Swift’s Eras tour is an excellent illustration of how concerts drive spending in host towns, with its US leg estimated to generate up to $5 billion in economic activity. This analysis extends beyond event ticket sales to cover not just product and food and beverage prices, but also the costs of flights, lodging, and retail sales in host towns.

Thailand is well on its way to benefit from the ‘experience economy,’ with the resumption of live concerts nearing pre-pandemic levels, which began early this year with Blackpink’s two-day Bangkok visit in January and Harry Styles and Arctic Monkeys’ shows in March. According to Traveloka statistics, there has been a considerable surge, particularly for inward flights, with the number of flight transactions nearly tripling for the first half of 2023 compared to the same period last year. This increase in flights is also mirrored in the trend of hotel bookings in Bangkok, which has increased by over 30%.

Traveloka Thailand saw a substantial amount of reservations in the first half of 2023, with the bulk coming from both inbound and domestic passengers travelling to Bangkok. China, Taiwan, Indonesia, Vietnam, England, Singapore, Malaysia, and Cambodia were the leading contributors to inbound tourist bookings.

Domestic travelers were equally enthusiastic, as Traveloka saw an increase in reservations from Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Chian Rai, Phuket, Chonburi, Songkla, and Suratthani to Bangkok.

Thailand’s tourism business was thriving in the first half of 2023, and this trend is expected to continue into 2024. This will increase demand for hotels and airlines, and with music tours making a comeback, it will also help move the tourism sector forward. Music tourism is not restricted to live performances; nearby attractions such as restaurants and historical buildings, to mention a few, can profit from increased attendance as well.

Thailand should expect excellent tourism earnings from the upcoming Charlie Puth and Sam Smith performances in October, as well as the fast-selling-out Coldplay concerts in February 2024. This will help travel and tourism enterprises who have the correct strategy and approach.

According to Iko Putera, CEO of Transport, Traveloka, this is an opportunity for those in the travel & tourism industry to work on delivering experiences that are complementary to the most popular concerts and music festivals, such as city’s attractions and activities, cruises, entertainment.

“What we are seeing from Traveloka data, is that international concerts in Bangkok are could be one of the key drivers for leisure travel spending across a wide demographic. Celebrating culture through music performances and entertainment should also be an integral part of Thai tourism strategies. The lineup of world-class performers for multiple shows in Bangkok serves as a remarkable achievement for its tourism industry. As a leading travel platform in Southeast Asia, Traveloka is eagerly embraces the opportunity to forge a stronger collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to make Thai tourism even better and more popular in the region.”

“This success not only promises prosperity for local businesses but also presents significant opportunities for other local services such as culinary experiences, travel insurances, etc. We are hopeful this phenomenon will have a positive contribution in boosting Thai small and medium-sized tourism businesses, which benefits Thailand’s overall economy and tourism industry”, Iko added.

This success not only promises prosperity for local businesses but also presents significant opportunities for other local services such as culinary experiences, travel insurances, etc. We are hopeful this phenomenon will have a positive contribution in boosting Thai small and medium-sized tourism businesses, which benefits Thailand’s overall economy and tourism industry”, Iko added.

With changing travel requirements and dynamic travel expectations, communication among industry actors and government organizations is critical to ensuring that all stakeholders are working toward the same goals.

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It was recently announced that the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan will now reduce the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) to US100, per person, per night.

The impetus behind this fee reduction is to boost arrivals to the country.

While the increase in the Sustainable Development Fee was declared as a means to protect the nation’s ecology, a new tourism strategy was also unveiled describing the transformation of three key areas: enhancements to its sustainable development policies, infrastructure upgrades, and the elevation of the guest experience.

At the time when the fee was increased, the government admitted that it was not known if this fee increase would impact tourist arrivals with less travelers coming to visit.

Then, HE Dr. Lotay Tshering, the Honorable Prime Minister of Bhutan, had stated, “The minimum fee we are asking our friends to pay is to be reinvested in ourselves, the place of our meeting, which will be our shared asset for generations.”

Bhutan’s noble policy of high-value, low-volume tourism has existed since they started welcoming guests to the country in 1974.

But its intent and spirit were watered down over the years, without us even realizing it.

Therefore, as they reset as a nation after this pandemic, and officially open our doors to visitors today, they are reminding themselves about the essence of the policy, the values and merits that have defined them for generations.

Bhutan was an isolated country for many years, only opening its borders to tourists in 1974 when it welcomed 300 visitors. By 2019, prior to COVID, over 315,000 travelers had visited that year.

For several years, India was the only country from where Bhutan allowed an almost unrestricted flow of tourists with entry charges.

The 2 countries share 376 miles of border, and India is influential over Bhutan’s foreign policy, defense, and commerce, with Bhutan being the largest beneficiary of India’s foreign aid.

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The president of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe, has recently promised to change Trincomalee distric into a hot and happening hub and also highlighted the need of India on this project.

India is Sri Lanka’s primary source market to boost up its already injured foreign exchange earnings and is looking for economic revival as the island hopes to attract fewer tourists from Europe.

While talking about development, the President said about the acceleration of the Eastern Development project and also highlighted the fact that conducive environment will be created to invigorate the cash-crunch economy of this island nation once again.

On Thursday, President Ranil Wickremesinghe, while addressing the participants said that the sector in the next decade would come up as Sri Lanka’s chief foreign exchange earner. Pitching a cooperative local initiation to encourage tourism, he questioned that why don’t they make their whole BIMSTEC area one borderless area for tourism and also emphasized the scope in the region to display the diverse sites and cuisines of the nation.

He also mentioned India’s assistance on this project to get involved in terms of strategic significance, a press release from the office of the President said the same. The collaborative role of India was also highlighted.

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In a way to draw more international tourists, Bhutan has taken a decision to decrease its daily tourist fee from $200 to $100. To improve the tourism sector. the kingdom has taken this decision which is yet to get final nod. The sector is struggling to recuperate even after COVID-19 ended for over a year.

Soon after the end of restrictions in September 2022, Bhutan took a decision to increase its Sustainable Development Fee and made it $200 per night from just $65. The country clarified that this increase of money would go to off-set the carbon generated by visitors.

However, then the newly presented tourist fee started restricting tourist numbers to the country. But at present, Bhutan once again is expecting that the drop in price would perk up the arrival number. From September, this new tax would come into effect and would last for four years, the government recently
mentioned in a statement.

The statement also stated that this is in view of the key role of the sector plays in creating more employment opportunities, grabbing foreign exchange and in enhancing economic growth in general.

Bhutan remained inaccessible for many years. Only recently in 1974 the Kingdom actually opened its tourism to tourists and welcomed around 300 visitors.

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In 2020, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) introduced ‘The One for Nature’ inventiveness that
signified the idea of ‘Travel with Responsibility in Thailand.’ This enterprise targeted toward
upholding Thailand’s sustainable tourism and protecting the country’s plentiful natural assets.

The promotion attained extraordinary achievement and gathered extensive assistance. The renaissance of this scheme brings into the open its uniqueness, as it provides tourists with the chance to dip themselves in a lot of copious natural environs once more after natural wonders all through Thailand have invigorated and reinstated their natural loveliness.

With the condition in Thailand and all over the world going back to regular, TAT is consequently beginning he 2 nd ‘The One for Nature’ to encourage responsible tourism as part of the trademark ‘Amazing Thailand’, hopeful ecologically aware tourists from around the world to take part in actions This will raise responsiveness and collaboration among worldwide tourists and also nurture accountable tourism observances in Thailand via global influencers.

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There are a lot of extraordinary features of Scotland that are praiseworthy of being highlighted in tourism
articles.

These comprise the Scotch whiskey, haggis, The Highlands and the Highland Games and even the Loch Ness monster.

That tea possibly can be a tourist attraction in Scotland, is quite unanticipated, bordering on surprising.

However, unfamiliar to a lot of people, Scotland produces some of the most premium teas globally, commanding superior values at handpicked British marketplaces.

It is something that the manufacturers of these Scotland-prepared teas want people around the world to recognize.

And in that procedure, these tea cultivators along with others in the world, such as in Nepal, are welcoming folks to come to connect with them, become familiar with their cooperative tea excursions, relish the tea, and allow themselves to be indulged with whole-hearted friendliness.

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The second-longest river in China, the Yellow River, is also known as the Mother River of China and the support system of Chinese civilization. The Yellow River meets the sea at Dongying, has went through a major cultural expansion because of the impact of the river.

The Yellow River Delta in the city brags of delicate natural beauty, making profitable tourism opportunities. The local authorities for several years have been maintaining the integration of ecological fortification, cultural legacy, and first-class development to expand cultural tourism projects along the age old River.

In the city, the Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve for migratory birds has turned out to be a significant wintering and stopover location due to the efforts of the local government to reinstate the ecological environment.

Casually called as an international airport for birds, this amazing delta is houses around 373 avian species and draws many tourists from home as well as foreign destinations.

In today’s context, Dongying is the largest breeding ground of the world for the Oriental white stork. It’s a rare migratory species. Now, the city is all set to construct a Yellow River Estuary National Park to protect the wetlands and biodiversity of the Yellow River Delta in a better way.

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The plan of the Royal Thai administration to announce VAT repayment for tourists system for renewal of tourist entrances following a substantial setback to the economy because of damage of income subsequent to obligation of lockdowns and strict Covid regulatory actions, has fetched opulent payments.

Introduced by the revenue department and Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the arrangement not only
assisted in receiving more travelers mostly from India, Europe, China and the US, it also improved the income realization and augmented job prospects for the native youth. Thailand relies a lot on tourism. In 2019, it witnessed nearly 11.5 per cent of its GDP from tourism.

Overseas tourists’ influx shrunk following the closing of global boundaries. Thailand administration also
imposed a stringent rule to limit the influx of tourists.

The tourist influxes are now staggering to regularity with the airlines, cabs, hotels, restaurants and the
entertainment sector such as water sports and beachfront festivities going back to normality.

VAT is specified to stuffs like laptops, televisions, gold, jewellery, smartphones, along with other luxury objects purchased from shopping malls and stores exhibiting ‘VAT refund for tourism’ notices and posters within 60 days of purchasing. The demand should be done at the airport at a distinct kiosk for repayment after immigration. It is also delivered by electronic means with the help of a recommended form and demanding the sum together with the original proof of purchase copy.

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