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By Rommel C. Lontayao, Reporter
VIETNAM and nearby Mekong
countries are being eyed to serve as the country’s market for
tourists, the Department of Tourism said Saturday.
“The Philippines is always
looking for new sectors to tap for foreign visitors and eventually,
develop the industry,” Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said.
The Tourism chief explained that
the Tourism department’s debut participation in the Vietnam
International Travel Expo (ITE) in Ho Chi Min on September 12 to 14
will help boost the Philippines’ bid as a top Asian destination
with the Vietnamese looking beyond their shores for new places,
taste and cultural experiences.
“More and more Vietnamese have
increased their purchasing power and are eager to experience
something new via travel. The market comprises mostly of those
preferring a cosmopolitan and urban setting,” Durano said.
“We are confident that the
Philippines can give them that,” he added.
Tourist arrivals from Vietnam
between January and May 2008 have increased by 59.2 percent over the
same period last year.
For his part, Tourism
Undersecretary for Planning and Promotions Eduardo Jarque Jr. said
the Philippines’ participation in the event would focus more on
providing a glimpse of modern city living to Vietnam travelers.
“We plan to showcase Filipino
creativity through contemporary fashion, design, music, arts and
food. The over-all theme centers on giving a taste of Manila and
Cebu, and how adventure awaits at every corner,” Jarque revealed.
The government will also
arrange for a travel exchange wherein local hotels, travel agents,
airlines and other tourism-related enterprises can meet and network
with their Vietnamese counterparts.
The ITE, which will be held at
the Phu Tho Exhibition Center in Ho Chi Minh, is Vietnam’s largest
business-to-business travel trade venue. Last year’s expo drew in
160 international buyers from 20 countries and regions.
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