BMTM 2016: The Beach – Leisure & M.I.C.E Travel Mart 2016 ( Danang, Vietnam)

The main reason I’m in Danang wasn’t for the beach.

Well, not directly anyways.

I was a media rep for the BMTM Danang 2016, the inaugural Beach – Leisure & M.I.C.E Travel Mart 2016 held from 24th June 2016 (Friday) – 26th June 2016 (Sunday).
Organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, BMTM Danang 2016 is the first travel trade fair in Vietnam which aims to expand Vietnam tourism to Asia, Europe, US and Australia tourism markets.

BNTM The Beach - Leisure & M.I.C.E Travel Mart 2016

This happened to be my inaugural trip to Danang, and though I didn’t spend as much time as I would have like on its famed white beaches, I did explored some interesting sites in Danang.

Danang is the 5th largest city in Vietnam. It is an economic powerhouse right after Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi which translate to being the third biggest economic centre in Vietnam.

The bloom here is fast and furious, largely thanks to its coastal location in central Vietnam.

Known for its sandy beaches and history as a French colonial port, Da Nang is ringed by mountains on one side and the South China Sea on the other.

map

I’ve been to Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi last year and in comparison, I’ve found Danang somewhat a “friendlier” place.

I guess the locals are much more tourist-friendly since Danang has been a primary tourist destination for years, both for local and international tourists.
The number of luxury hotels with private beaches are astounding and the number is growing at a rapid pace. The major hotel chains are here; the Accor Group, IHG, just to name a few.

We visited Vin Pearl, Furuma and went past Olalani and Naman, all impressively beautiful structures over large grounds.

With the BMTM 2016, Tourism Vietnam aims to introduce the destinations and tourism products of Vietnam to more countries and to create opportunities for domestic tourism enterprises, especially small and medium enterprises to expand business partnerships with potential international markets.

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BMTM 2016 has several objectives and a few are as listed below:

  • Connect sellers, international buyers, trade visitors and the public in the tourism industry.
  • Showcases local products and services to international tour operators, agencies, buyers and media.
  • Offer activities such as International Tourism Fair, Buyers and Press Programme, The Opening Ceremony, Beach-Leisure & M.I.C.E Mart Danang Seminar, Gala Dinner “Partnership for Sustainable tourism development“, Friendship Golf Tournament, etc.

I spent a few hours at the BMTM this morning and discovered some rather obscure but beautiful locations in Vietnam.
Seriously folks, Vietnam is more than just Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh!

The north offers picturesque mountains while the coastal has wonderful beaches. And every part of the country offers delicious cuisine and fresh produce.

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The Wonderful Indonesia booth was one of the most eye-catching exhibit here.

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The Beach - Leisure & M.I.C.E Travel Mart 2016

There is even an interactive wall for guest to take photos with their traditional costumes superimposed on your image!

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The BMTM 2016 could be improved of course.
The venue is large enough for the purpose, but the ventilation could be better.
Thankfully there was a spacious space and WIFI provided for the media and buyer-seller meetings. Just outside of the exhibition halls, there were booths selling beverages and food for visitors and exhibitors.

The day was hot and sitting under the shade by the water provided some respite.

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Later in the evening we sat in the half day conference for BNTM.

Some of the topics were on sustainability tourism, Vietnam’s future tourism growth as well potential issues and challenges, all in all the makings of an interesting afternoon debate.

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Early tomorrow morning I’ll bid farewell to Danang and I’ll be in Hanoi again.
I’m looking forward to more Vietnamese coffee, banh mi, the Ionah show and hopefully some shopping!

This Post Has 2 Comments

  1. Sean EDKL

    i’ve only been to ho chi minh city so far, and i don’t think i’ll end up in danang any time soon – i like vietnamese food but three/four days in hcmc felt like a sufficient taste of the country 🙂

    1. Rebecca Saw

      I agree Sean! For food 3-4 days are more than sufficient !
      For Danang – it is more for the beach life! 😀

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