(VOVworld) – The International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City 2014, opened at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre on Wednesday under the theme “Five countries, one destination”.

Organizing board presented the Mekong Tourism Alliance Award to outstanding businesses

At the event, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Tuan Anh highlighted the expo’s prestige as one of Vietnam’s leading national tourism events. The expo’s 10th anniversary celebrates the sub-Mekong region’s tireless efforts to make tourism the region’s key industry. Minister Hoang Tuan Anh said: "I hope the expo, as a prestigious tourism event of Vietnam and the sub-Mekong region, will grow bigger and better to boost the region’s tourism development"

The opening ceremony drew tourism industry leaders and the mayors of Phnom Penh, Vientiane, Yangon and Bangkok. On the occasion, the organizing board presented the Mekong Tourism Alliance Award to businesses that have made outstanding contributions to the tourism sector.