Up to 400 Vietnamese and foreign tourist companies are expected to attend the Vietnam International Travel Mart in Hanoi in April.

The four-day event from April 18 will feature travel specials from agents, tour operators, airlines, hotels and resorts.

The event will help mark National Tourism Year 2013: Song Hong (Red River) Delta-Hai Phong.

Vietnam Tourism Association Vice President Vu The Binh said foreign travel agents from the Republic of Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, France and Australia had already registered.

Meanwhile, talk fests and exhibitions were planned for the sidelines. Conferences subjects will include "Trademark of Vietnamese Tourism", "Promoting the Value of Hanoi Cultural Heritage", "Aiming to Develop Tourism" and "Strategies to Raise Awareness of Responsible Tourism".

Exhibitions will include a display of yachts, kayaks, BMX bikes and tourist equipment, including travel tents and backpacks.

Souvenirs and handicrafts from different regions will also be presented and the proceedings will be interspersed with arts performances.

Co-organised by the Association, the Administration of Tourism and the Hanoi People's Committee, the mart will take place at the Hanoi International Centre for Exhibition.-VNA