Vietnam woos Singapore buyers

A total of 112 visitors attended 'Vietnam - Where Meetings Matter', a presentation and mini-trade fair at Raffles City Convention Centre on early this month. "The show was a great success in terms of drumming up a high level of interest among C&I buyers in Singapore," said John Lim, managing director of Key Communications, the organiser of the event. "Many visitors told us they were there to strike deals. Those who have yet to venture there said they were very interested in Vietnam and wished there had been more time for them to get more information," said Lim. "It was only a half-day event and many of the visitors had to queue to meet with the VMIC members." Vietnam MICE Club members at the event comprised 14 companies, including hotels, Vietnam's largest travel company and Vietnam Airlines. The Club, which aims to promote Vietnam as the preferred destination of choice for the CEI market in Singapore, is led by Vietnam Airlines. Nguyen Thi Linh Dan, director of sales at Sheraton Saigon, noted that Singapore was the biggest market for her property last year, accounting for about 30 per cent of its business. Prospects for Singaporean outbound groups have been enhanced since local low-cost carriers Tiger Airways has started marketing tickets to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, while Jetstar has announced that it seeks to open a Ho Chi Minh City route.