Domestic and foreign tourism companies will gather at the first national-scale Vietnam International Travel Mart slated for April 18-21 in Hanoi.

Coorganised by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism and the Hanoi People’s Committee, the fair is seen as a good opportunity to promote Vietnam ’s tourism brand to international friends, helping turn the country into a top destination in the region.

With the theme “Exploring the Red River Delta – The origin of Vietnamese culture”, the event is held in response to the National Tourism Year of the Red River Delta-Hai Phong 2013.

Vice President of the Vietnam Tourism Association Vu The Binh, who is also head of VITM organisation board, said VITM 2013 will focus on domestic tourism, with the aim of winning back market share. Binh said due to high costs of domestic tours, especially air fares, more and more local people are choosing to go abroad for their holidays. Local travel agencies will offer promotional sales during the fair.

At the same time, foreign tourism administrations and travel agencies will also be invited to the fair to provide information on their destinations and products.

So far 343 businesses have registered to take part in the mart./-VNA