(VOVworld) - The 2013 Vietnam International Travel Mart, VITM, opened in Hanoi today/on Thursday in response to the National Tourism Year of the Red River Delta – Hai Phong.

Entitled ‘Exploring the Red River Delta – the source of Vietnamese culture’, the trade fair has 400 booths, including 150 set up by ASEAN and other South Asian countries, Northeast Asian countries, European countries, and Australia. The exhibition promotes inbound and outbound tourism and the growth of the domestic tourism market. It also offers an opportunity for domestic travel agencies to look for partners, and exchange and purchase tourism products. Charles Chou, Director General of the Seoul-based Arirang Tour Service, says: ‘We’ve cooperated with airlines to introduce attractive destinations in South Korea at this trade fair. We have participated in many trade fairs and realized that Hanoi is a key market. We’re impressed that travel agencies from Thailand, France, and Japan have joined the event.’

During the 4-day exhibition, participants will offer 1,000 products including tours, hotel rooms, and air tickets with discounts of up to 20%. Tran Van Long, Director General of the Viet Tourism and Communications Company, says "At this fair we’ve offered outbound tours to Europe, Russia, and Southeast Asia. As usual, this time of the year, inbound tours are mainly to sea resorts in Phu Quoc, Con Dao, Vung Tau, and Mui Ne. We are introducing promotion programs with a number of tours discounted by up to 50%. Domestic and foreign travel agencies have worked together at this exhibition to offer customers the best prices" .

Organizers hope that the Vietnam International Travel Mart will become an annual event.