The 20th run of the International Travel Exposition in Ho Chi Minh City (ITE-HCMC) proved to be a showcase of key trends in regional travel and tourism.
This year’s theme Vibrant Connections, Global Destinations reflected how the states within Indochina and the Mekong Sub-region are coming together to make a difference when it comes to tourism and MICE.
Indeed, Indochinese states are leading the way when it comes to tourism collaboration, ensuring a regular flow of shared information that stands to benefit everyone within the sub-region.
This synergetic approach to tourism promotion and operations was one of several key insights presented during the event.
A matter of synergy
For Cambodian minister of tourism Huot Hak, tourism growth within the Mekong Subregion should be treated more as an opportunity to collaborate as opposed to another exercise in competition.
Speaking at the ITE-HCMC High-Level Tourism Forum on Thursday, 27th August, Huot declared: “Instead of viewing neighbouring countries only as competitors, we should increasingly view one another as complementarity destinations and strategic partners. One destination may provide the conference, another the cultural experience, another the incentive programme. Together, we can offer international travellers a richer and more competitive regional experience.”
Prior to Huot’s talk at the Forum, representatives of the Vietnamese Ministry of Tourism expressed similar sentiments during the ITE-HCMC Vietnam Night on Wednesday, 26th August, wherein they collectively remarked:
“ITE HCMC has grown beyond being a meeting point for the international tourism community. It has become a bridge that nurtures friendship, opens new avenues for cooperation, and brings to the world the image of a dynamic, warm-hearted, and welcoming Vietnam.”
Indeed, for the Vietnamese people, this perfectly encapsulated the gist behind tourism: it brings people together, fosters mutual understanding and respect between cultures, and allows their finest values to be shared and celebrated beyond borders.
A palpable shift to high-quality tourism
It was also noted how Vietnam is now shifting from metrics-centric tourism into a truly meaningful paradigm that enables travellers from anywhere in the world to delve deeply into local traditions as opposed to having another sightseeing tour.
By focusing on quality instead of mere headcount, destinations will also be able to mitigate the worst impact of overtourism by reducing crowding and strain on natural sites.
At the same time, regional frameworks like the ASEAN Tourism Ministers Statement prioritise responsible management and preservation of natural and cultural heritage throughout Southeast Asia.
Also, shifting the focus from high visitor volume to higher spending per visitor, enables local communities to maximise economic gains whilst protecting local environments and cultures.
Consider this: high-quality tourists spend more per day, such as paying extra for premium food and beverage experiences, thus helping communities manage rising costs and support local supply chains.
Immersive and interesting
Finally, the shift to quality tourism also enables destinations to show the best of their areas to the world.
Consider HCMC’s Loa Loa Show at The Independence Palace: this spectacle highlights traditional music, dance, and theatre in the context of dinner and a show as it also includes a tasting menu featuring specialities from different parts of the country.
True immersion also serves as an opportunity to help outsiders understand the history of a nation as seen in the Cu Chi Tunnels experience in Vietnam and the Corregidor tour in the Philippines: knowing the impact of conflict on the local people and what the world can learn from their experiences.
Proper immersion, however, needs to shift from Disneyfied versions of a destination if it is to give a more detailed understanding of the land and its people.
