Vietnam ’s tourism – A growth industry
Travellers to Vietnam crossed 2.2 million in the first half of 2008, the highest record ever in a six-month time frame according to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT). Last year the country received 4.2 million foreign visitors, 16 per cent more than in 2006. The World Travel and Tourism Council ranked Vietnam as No. 4 on its list of the world's fastest growing travel destinations.

A leading sourcing and networking trade event, shaping Vietnam’s food & hospitality industries
Food&HotelVietnam2009 offers trade buyers from Vietnam direct access to a wide range of exhibits.

• Will occupy over 9,000 square metres at the new Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center, compared to 7,000 in 2007
• Over 300 exhibiting companies from over 20 countries (80% from overseas), compared to 247 exhibiting companies in 2007.
• Will feature the return of several industry leaders, testifying the importance of the event to the food and hospitality industry. The exhibiting companies include Annam Fine Food, Charles Wembley, Convotherm, Winterhalter, Lamb Weston, US Meat, US Poultry & Egg Export Council, Q’son Kitchen Equipment, Q Industries and more
• Over 10 international group pavilions, including Chile participating for the first time
• Launch of 1 st Vietnam Barista Competition to showcase expertise and creativity in the art of brewing and serving specialty coffee, and boost the barista profession
• Launch of 1 st FranchisingVietnam2009, a premier franchising trade event dedicated to the food and hospitality industries. The event presents a timely business platform for local and overseas companies to capitalise on Vietnam’s flourishing franchising industry
• A Food Safety Seminar will be held alongside the exhibition. The seminar will address topical issues applicable to Vietnam’s food and hospitality industry

“In spite of the current economic slowdown, the food and hospitality industry remains an important growth area for Vietnam as the country observes a healthy demand for quality products, equipment and solutions mounting from international companies’ investments into its tourism and hospitality sectors,” said Ting Siew Mui, Project Director for Food&HotelVietnam from Singapore Exhibition Services.

“Against this optimistic backdrop of demand, and the need to constantly review and upgrade the quality of its infrastructure and facilities to stay competitive and match international standards, we stay committed to our goal to ensure that Food&HotelVietnam remains relevant to keep up with the evolving needs of Vietnam’s food and hospitality industry.”

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About Food&HotelVietnam
Food & HotelVietnam2009 , Vietnam ’s premier food and hospitality sourcing and networking trade event, features at least 70 percent of overseas exhibitors in all its editions. The event will bring industry professionals in Vietnam high quality equipment, services and solutions currently available in the global marketplace. FranchisingVietnam2009, Vietnam’s premier franchising trade event, will be held alongside Food&HotelVietnam2009. For more information about the events, please visit: www.foodnhotelvietnam.com.