See you in Vietnam (SPECIAL REPORT: ATF 2008)

BANGKOK - The countdown to ATF 2009, which will be hosted in Vietnam, has started and preparations are underway to ensure its success.



“Our preparations kicked off last month following our master plan, with a committee headed by the Minister of Culture, Sport and Tourism. We are also being assisted by organisations like the ASEAN Secretariat and ASEANTA. About 50 percent of our budget comes from the state and the rest from private organisations,” said Nguyen The Thang, vice director, Tourism Promotion Department, Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.



Vietnam is aiming to get 450 sellers matched to 400 buyers for TRAVEX. The promotional campaign will start next month and its participation at shows like ITB and WTM will act as its publicity platforms. There will also be a roadshow organised to the ASEAN countries.



Said Nguyen, “As we do not have enough convention halls in Hanoi, we will organise meetings and conferences at big five-star hotels like Han Noi Daewoo Hotel. As for TRAVEX we will hire Giang Vo Exhibition Centre to handle it at Vietnam Exhibition Fair Centre. Vietnam is developing very fast among the ASEAN countries and it holds much potential for tourism. Many people in other countries still know little about Vietnam which in fact has big potential. Tourists come to Vietnam and are charmed by our country.”