The 20th International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City (ITE HCMC 2026) officially opened on August 27, 2026 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre (SECC). The three-day event, running through August 29, featured more than 520 exhibitors and 260 international buyers representing over 40 countries and territories. The expo is co-organised by the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism and the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism.
Global and Vietnamese Participation at ITE HCMC 2026
Tourism promotion agencies and businesses from countries including the Republic of Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Bhutan, Russia’s St. Petersburg, and Nicaragua took part in the expo. A total of 34
Vietnamese provinces and cities participated, showcasing regional tourism products. Key sectors represented included travel, accommodation, aviation, transport, and tourism technology. Vietnam Airlines and Vietnamese tourism businesses from Da Nang, Hoi An, Mui Ne, and Phu Quoc also displayed products. The Vietnamese Embassy in Canada joined the exhibition to promote Vietnam as a travel destination.
Theme, Objectives, and Business-to-Business Programme
Under the theme “Vibrant Connections – Global Destinations,” ITE HCMC 2026 aimed to enhance cooperation and improve the quality of partnerships among participants. The event scheduled over 21,000 business-to-business appointments as part of its international buyers programme. This platform enabled buyers and exhibitors to introduce products,
establish partnerships, and expand market reach.
Emerging Tourism Trends and Official Comments
The expo highlighted new tourism trends including green tourism, digital tourism, medical tourism, waterway and metro tourism, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), and cultural and rural experiences. Nguyen Loc Ha, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, described the 20th anniversary as an important milestone marking a new development stage focused on improving the quality and value of the expo. Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ho An Phong noted that the event expanded beyond traditional trade promotion to become a major international travel expo and annual meeting place
for the tourism sector.
Public Access and Cultural Activities
ITE HCMC 2026 was open to the public from the afternoon of August 27 until August 29. Visitors experienced tourism, cultural and culinary offerings alongside promotional programmes, art performances, and One Commune One Product (OCOP) displays. These activities aimed to engage the public while supporting Vietnamese tourism businesses.
Industry Links and Upcoming Events
The event promoted stronger links between tourism management agencies, businesses, airlines, and service providers to position Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam globally in tourism markets. Vietnam Airlines represented the national aviation sector at the expo. Looking ahead, the Vietnam Event & Exhibition Week 2026 (VEEW 2026) is
scheduled to take place at the Vietnam Exhibition Centre in Dong Anh, Hanoi from October 17 to 19.
