Attending the Gala Dinner included Minister of Culture-Sports and Tourism Nguyen Ngoc Thien, Chairman of HCMC People’s Committee Nguyen Thanh Phong, representatives of cities and provinces and travel agencies from 46 countries and territories.
 
In his opening speech, Minister Nguyen Ngoc Thien said the 14th ITE HCMC 2018 was listed as national event since 2009 and organized in HCMC. Through many versions, the event has received full support and cooperation from neighboring countries like Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Thailand. The ITE HCMC has become not only a brand of Vietnam but also of 5 countries in the Sub-Region Mekong Delta area.

In his brief introduction of tourism development, Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Thien said Vietnam, in 2017, has received 13 million international arrivals, up 29% as of 2016 with a turnover of US$ 23 billion, contributing 8% to the country’s GDP. In the first 8 months of 2018, Vietnam has received over 10 million international arrivals, up 22,8% as of 2017. On Sep 3 2018, Vietnam has been honored the title of a leading destination in Asia and Australia 2018 by World Travel Awards.
 
Mr. Thien expressed his belief that with active participation of localities, travel management agencies, neighboring countries and tourism companies, ITE HCMC 2018 will continue to be a convergent point of attractive tourism products and services.

HCM CITYWEB