ITE 2008 likely more deserted than expected

VietNamNet Bridge – The 4th International Travel Expo 2008 in HCMC (ITE 2008) scheduled for early next month will likely be more deserted than expected as the organizer cannot arrange sufficient air tickets for international buyers.

La Quoc Khanh, deputy director of the department, told the Daily on Monday that around 210 foreign buyers have registered to join the event. However, up to now, the organizer has secured tickets for over 50 buyers, while 42 others are in standby now.

"We have expected to arrange air tickets for around 100 buyers to visit the ITE this year, around 50 buyers less than expected," he said.

Khanh explained that last year 11 international airlines supported the organizer to invite foreign buyers to ITE. This year, just some airlines like Vietnam Airlines, Philippine Airlines, EVA Air and Singapore Airlines have lent a helping hand.

Many airlines have refused to sponsor air tickets for buyers because they themselves are grappling with hardship due to the fuel price hike.

"United Airlines is an example. Last year, the airlines invited and sponsored for around 30 American buyers to come but this year it can not help us. The airlines industry in difficulty is the main reason that causes the number of buyers to drop," he said.

Khanh said that exhibitors would not be pleased at the smaller number of foreign buyers, but the organizer cannot resolve the problem. The organizer has even sought other ways, including online meeting, to match sellers with buyers.

"We've arranged many online meetings between sellers and buyers before the fair. It's a method to help sellers meet many buyers in a difficult situation," he said.

Under the theme "Mesmerizing Charms of Cambodia - Laos - Vietnam - Three Countries One Destination," ITE 2008 will feature a tourism exhibition, meetings between travel buyers and sellers, free-show tours in HCMC, the Mekong Delta, the central and the northern regions, as well as in Cambodia, and seminars.

(Source: SGT)

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