4th ASEAN Tourism Investment Forum Held in HCM City

In the framework of the sixth International Travel Expo, Ho Chi Minh City (ITE HCMC 2010), the fourth ASEAN Tourism Investment Forum themed “ASEAN Tourism Investment: Challenges and Opportunities” was held in Ho Chi Minh City from September 29 to 30, 2010.

 

This expo is a response to Vietnam’s ASEAN Presidency in 2010 and to welcome the grand millennial anniversary of Thang Long - Hanoi.

 

At the forum, ASEAN member countries provide information about investment policies, incentives and prioritised tourism fields. Malaysia, President of the ASEAN Tourism Investment Working Group, reports on the “ASEAN Tourism Investment Corridor Development” and hears presentations on the ASEAN Joint Investment Agreement. Investors, hotel groups and tour operators present difficulties and challenges in the investment process, medical tourism, health care, spa and medium-end and low-end hotel investments.

 

ASEAN is known for its high potential tourism industry, featuring diverse tourism products like convalescence, medical travel, shopping and adventure. However, the results often do not meet actual tourism potential; thus, promotion programmes are necessary to attract investment and draw the special interest of member states. Apart from calling for investments in separate countries, the regional tourism forum is expected to be more powerful in the future.