Amidst a declining trend in global tourism, the organisers hope that the expo will serve as an ideal venue for 300 “buyers” and “sellers” from 28 countries and territories worldwide to set up partnership.

According to the organisers, more than 1,500 meetings between “buyers” and “sellers” have already been scheduled through the online, automatic pre-scheduled appointment (PSA) system.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Tran Chien Thang confirmed the resolve to promote the images of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, and bring their jointly-provided products to international friends.

As part of the expo, a seminar was held to introduce Vietnam’s new tourist sites and celebrations planned for the 1,000th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi, as well as tours that connect tourist destinations of the three nations.

More than 100 delegates, including government officials and investors from 15 countries, are expected to attend a Tourism Investment Conference (TIC) to discuss ways to develop tourism in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.

The organisers will take this occasion to present Tourism Alliance Awards to 20 most outstanding businesses operating in the tourism service industry in the three regional countries.

ITE HCMC 2009, co-organised by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, the HCMC Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Vietnam National Trade Fair and Advertising Company (Vinexad) and the IIR Exhibition Company of Singapore, will run until October 3.