Following the success of the first edition of the Vietnam InternationalTravel Mart (VITM), the Vietnam Tourism Association (VITA) incollaboration with the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT)and the Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism will host thesecond VITM from April 3-6 in Hanoi.
Vice Chairman of VITA andhead of VITM 2014 Organisation Board Vu The Binh spoke with the VietnamBusiness Forum - a weekly magazine of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerceand Industry about the stimulus programme for tourism.
*What is the theme of the VITM 2014?
Thesecond edition of VITM emphasises two topics: The first is the tourismstimulus and the second is the responsibility to natural and socialenvironments.
Previously, each year had one peak reason and oneslack season. During the slack season, travel companies cut prices toattract tourists. Now, instead of stimulating demand in one point oftime or a location with few tourists, we launch a wide-ranging stimulusprogramme over consecutive years to create strong nationwide movements.
VITM2013 launched a stimulus programme and sold over 6,000 tours. Thisyear, to promote the results of the previous year, the fair will focuson stimulus. And all attendants build and introduce stimulated productsfor tourists and enterprises.
VITM 2014 highlights responsibilityto natural and social environment as tourism has developed and becomean important economic sector of the country with 1.8 million workers.Hence, tourism activities have many impacts on natural and socialenvironments. If tourism workers have no sense of responsibility and noproducts friendly to the social and natural environments, tourism willcause adverse consequences for the nation. This topic will behighlighted throughout the fair.
*What are new features of VITM 2014?
Thismart has three new points. Firstly, stimulus is the overarching theme,thus all exhibitors are required to join the stimulus programme and aseries of clubs.
Secondly, the deep professionalism of the fairis expressed by environmentally responsible products introduced byattending companies and exchanges for product development, tourismpromotion and personnel training. And
Thirdly, the cooperation oftourism companies will be a highlighted activity of the fair. Sometourism clubs will debut during the event.
This year, Japan ischosen as the guest of honour; hence, a series of Japan’s activitieswill link Vietnamese companies with partners in Japan and other markets.
*Why does VITM 2014 focus on outbound markets?
Outboundtravel is very important, but we lack attention for its development forlong. Thus, this mart hopes to lift this market to be on par with thetwo other forms of tourism.
More and more Vietnamese peopletravel abroad. According to unofficial statistics, four millionVietnamese people travelled abroad last year. So, this fair will giveemphasis to outbound tourism to gather businesses and improve theircapacity to serve Vietnamese travellers when they go abroad.
Whentravel companies form a force, they will enhance their servicecapabilities and establish international service standards forVietnamese tourists. These are necessary to elevate the position ofVietnamese people and tourists on the international scene.
*Could you tell us about new products and destinations that the organisers will introduce to international visitors?
Introducingnew products is always a highlight of tourist events. VITM 2014 willgive top priority to new products, especially those from traditionalcultures of ethnic minorities, and the majestic scenery of thenorthwestern and northeastern mountainous regions.
In addition,the fair will feature the Mekong Delta – a unique lowland which iscompletely different from many other countries in the region, and theCentral Highlands - the land of wilderness, the place of appealingtourism products to both domestic and foreign tourists.-VNA
Vice Chairman of VITA andhead of VITM 2014 Organisation Board Vu The Binh spoke with the VietnamBusiness Forum - a weekly magazine of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerceand Industry about the stimulus programme for tourism.
*What is the theme of the VITM 2014?
Thesecond edition of VITM emphasises two topics: The first is the tourismstimulus and the second is the responsibility to natural and socialenvironments.
Previously, each year had one peak reason and oneslack season. During the slack season, travel companies cut prices toattract tourists. Now, instead of stimulating demand in one point oftime or a location with few tourists, we launch a wide-ranging stimulusprogramme over consecutive years to create strong nationwide movements.
VITM2013 launched a stimulus programme and sold over 6,000 tours. Thisyear, to promote the results of the previous year, the fair will focuson stimulus. And all attendants build and introduce stimulated productsfor tourists and enterprises.
VITM 2014 highlights responsibilityto natural and social environment as tourism has developed and becomean important economic sector of the country with 1.8 million workers.Hence, tourism activities have many impacts on natural and socialenvironments. If tourism workers have no sense of responsibility and noproducts friendly to the social and natural environments, tourism willcause adverse consequences for the nation. This topic will behighlighted throughout the fair.
*What are new features of VITM 2014?
Thismart has three new points. Firstly, stimulus is the overarching theme,thus all exhibitors are required to join the stimulus programme and aseries of clubs.
Secondly, the deep professionalism of the fairis expressed by environmentally responsible products introduced byattending companies and exchanges for product development, tourismpromotion and personnel training. And
Thirdly, the cooperation oftourism companies will be a highlighted activity of the fair. Sometourism clubs will debut during the event.
This year, Japan ischosen as the guest of honour; hence, a series of Japan’s activitieswill link Vietnamese companies with partners in Japan and other markets.
*Why does VITM 2014 focus on outbound markets?
Outboundtravel is very important, but we lack attention for its development forlong. Thus, this mart hopes to lift this market to be on par with thetwo other forms of tourism.
More and more Vietnamese peopletravel abroad. According to unofficial statistics, four millionVietnamese people travelled abroad last year. So, this fair will giveemphasis to outbound tourism to gather businesses and improve theircapacity to serve Vietnamese travellers when they go abroad.
Whentravel companies form a force, they will enhance their servicecapabilities and establish international service standards forVietnamese tourists. These are necessary to elevate the position ofVietnamese people and tourists on the international scene.
*Could you tell us about new products and destinations that the organisers will introduce to international visitors?
Introducingnew products is always a highlight of tourist events. VITM 2014 willgive top priority to new products, especially those from traditionalcultures of ethnic minorities, and the majestic scenery of thenorthwestern and northeastern mountainous regions.
In addition,the fair will feature the Mekong Delta – a unique lowland which iscompletely different from many other countries in the region, and theCentral Highlands - the land of wilderness, the place of appealingtourism products to both domestic and foreign tourists.-VNA
