Back on the road as The Trinity Forum hits Ho Chi Minh City

by Martin Moodie |
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Martin Moodie

Martin Moodie is the Founder & Chairman of The Moodie Report.

Welcome to the Moodie Davitt Report Interim Somerset Ho Chi Minh City Bureau.

I’m in this wonderfully atmospheric, frenetic and richly storied city as The Trinity forum comes to Vietnam for the first time.

It’s the 21st anniversary of the event I created way back in 2003 when the first Trinity Forum was held in London. The event, like the travel retail sector, has come a long way since, both geographically and in terms of substance.

It was only launched at TFWA World Exhibition in late 2023 but the Avolta branding is now one of the most recognisable in the industry. Especially when accompanied by the big smile of my friend Mr Vuong from the company’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport team.
There’s no shortage of arrivals duty-free shopping at the Ho Chi Minh City gateway as these photos show

I’m thrilled to be here for what promises to be an enthralling couple of days, kicking off on Tuesday. We have managed to attract a stellar lineup of industry luminaries from all around the travel retail and aviation world.

Watch out for our daily coverage on our main website, and no doubt I’ll pick out a few cameos for my Blog.

In the interim, here are a few photo memories of my days here in Ho Chi, Minh City, since I arrived on Friday. It’s almost showtime.  ✈

Trinity Forum signs adorn the street outside the Gem Center, venue for The Trinity Forum 2024

The Trinity Forum is not the only important event taking place this week. On Saturday night local time, my beloved All Blacks played England in a rugby international at Twickenham Stadium. Passionate England rugby supporter and travel retail industry veteran Dan Cappell joined me for a warm-up dinner and glass or two of wine before we headed to Phatty’s Sports Bar & Grill to watch the big match.
Never in doubt, I say. Final result: All Blacks 24 – England 22