The International Travel Expo (ITE 2014) is held by the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Ho Chi Minh City in collaboration with Vietnam Administration of Tourism and related agencies. At the exhibition, the organizing will present the message “5 Countries, 1 Destination” with the high consensus of nations of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. The meaning of the message is to exploit the potential, develop tourism strengths and enhance coordination in tourism among countries in Mekong River region. Provinces and cities in Vietnam having registered to participate in the expo to promote their tourism products and attractions includes Vung Tau, Binh Thuan, Ca Mau, Can Tho, Vinh Long, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Hue, Quang Nam, Vinh Phuc, Dak Nong, Cao Bang, Phu Yen, Kien Giang, Lam Dong, Khanh Hoa, Ninh Binh, Nghe An, Hai Phong, and Dak Lak.
The expo aims to introduce destinations as well as tourism services of Vietnam tourism and of countries in the Asia - Pacific region; create opportunities for tourism companies to meet, share experiences; and expand business cooperation to potential markets. The fair is also a place where sellers can introduce their products to buyers and visitors. It is assessed as one of the most travel events in Ho Chi Minh City.
Within the framework of ITE HCMC 2014, there are seminars taking place daily such as the seminar dedicated to international journals, travel website and press agencies around the world, the seminar dedicated to tourists, and so on. On the occasion of 10th anniversary of the event, there will be many special activities dedicated to travel companies and media agencies in 5 aforementioned countries as well as attractive programs for the public such as promotion tours, sweepstake program with many great prizes, discount programs for visitors and so on.
The expo will feature art performances by troupes from participating countries. Especially, the opening ceremony of ITE HCHM 2014 honoring 10th anniversary will be formally celebrated with plenty of unique art performances expressing the solidarity, mutual assistance among Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam as well as the beauty of Mekong River. Also at the ceremony, the organizing committee will present Mekong Tourism Alliance Award (MTAA) which is held every 5 years in order to honor the best tourism business in 5 countries. It is appreciated as a prestigious award in the region. The award is divided into 6 categories including: Airline of the Year, Outbound Tour Operator of the Year, Inbound Tour Company of the Year, 5-star hotel of the Year, Resort of the Year and Ecotourism Destination of the Year.