The expo attracted over 400 domestic and international exhibitors while 199 international buyers were invited from 42 countries and territories which represent Vietnam’s key and potential inbound tourism markets.

Mijung Hwang, head of the global team 2 of the Seoul Tourism Organization of South Korea, said that Vietnam is a high‑potential, key tourism market for Korea and vice versa.

Vietnam offers preferential treatment for Korean tourists when the visa exemption policy for 15 days has been promulgated, but on the contrary, Vietnamese tourists to Korea are still required to have a visa.

“We’ll push for the Seoul government and the Korean government as well to soon outline plans to attract tourists from Vietnam in the future,” said Mijung Hwang.

Elena Karmanova, chief of the international sales at Vodohod Cruise and Travel from Russia, said that the company is looking forward to welcoming more Vietnamese tourists to Saint Petersburg and other tourist destinations in Russia.

“We’re making great efforts to restore tourism and attract Vietnamese tourists by establishing direct flights from Hanoi to St. Petersburg and issuing and upgrading electronic visas. We hope the fair will connect and develop tourism between the two countries again,” said Elena Karmanova.

ITE HCMC 2023, which will run until September 9, is expected to attract 25,000 visitors with a diverse array of activities on offer such as conferences, seminars, and trade connections.