A special group of travel industry leaders from Thailand and Vietnam united on Tuesday 23rd January 2017 as part of a joint collaboration designed to promote Vietnam’s spectacular Quang Binh Province, as well as the new direct flights between Chiang Mai, Thailand and Dong Hoi, Vietnam. The event was hosted by the Quang Binh Province Tourism Authority, Jetstar Airlines, the Chiang Mai Tourism Business Association and adventure tour operator, Indigo White.
Taking place at Chiang Mai’s Mövenpick Suriwongse Hotel, the event was led by Mr Pongsak Intham, Secretary General to the Chiang Mai Tourism Business Association and featured presentations by Le The Luc of the Quang Binh Province Tourism Authority, Nguyen Son from Jetstar Airlines and Holly Richter, Founder of Indigo White. Representatives from Vietnam TravelMart, Sun Spa Resort and Gold Coast Hotel Resort and Spa also presented.
“Collaborations such as this are key to developing our industry” remarked Holly Richter. “They support the development of more sustainable travel in an industry that needs to do more to raise the profile of destinations deserving of recognition, as opposed to repeated promotions of the well-trodden tourist traps. There’s a lot more to see and do than the average traveller is made aware of and it is our responsibility to educate and to guide guests to more offbeat discoveries, which they may otherwise miss out on experiencing.”
The focus of the presentations during the event demonstrated the huge potential in the region and the sheer number of opportunities available for all types of traveller - those looking for a relaxing beach getaway while indulging in some gentle walks along the sand dunes, or a more involved adventure, trekking deep into the jungle or delving into the reaches of the world’s largest cave systems such as Son Doong cave or Paradise cave. The potential for cycling trips is also a big draw of the area, which enjoys spectacular mountain roads winding through Vietnam’s quiet, rural communities.
Jetstar Airlines generously provided all guests attending the event with vouchers to use on the Chiang Mai to Dong Hoi route, while free rooms were raffled off by Gold Coast Resort and Spa and Sun Spa Resort.