ITE HCMC 2026 will be held from 27 to 29 August 2026 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. This 20th edition of the expo has the theme ‘Vibrant Connections – Global Destinations’ and is organized under the direction of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City.
Exhibitors, Buyers, and Business Matching
There will be more than 520 exhibitors and 260 international buyers from Asia, the Middle East, Europe, North America, and Oceania. Buyers-Sellers Speed Dating is scheduled for 26 August, followed by B2B Business Matching sessions on 27 and
28 August. A total of 21,000 B2B appointments have been planned, an increase of more than eight-fold since the event’s early years. Pre- and post-tours will be arranged for international buyers and media.
International and Regional Collaboration
ITE HCMC 2026 will concurrently host three Tourism Ministers’ Meetings related to Mekong subregional cooperation frameworks. International organizations participating include United Nations Tourism (UN Tourism), Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), and Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB). Corporate partners include Google, Mastercard, EuroCham, and Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO).
Forums, Workshops, and Public Programs
On 27 August, the Tourism Forum will focus on “Shaping the Future of MICE
Tourism: Innovation, Sustainability and Global Connectivity,” gathering government officials and tourism leaders including representatives from GSTC, TCEB, PATA, Mastercard, and Google. The expo will host thematic workshops, presentations, and networking events by destinations, businesses, and tourism promotion organizations during the event days. The public program includes artistic performances, cultural exchanges, culinary experiences, and interactive activities engaging consumers.
Official Perspective and Industry Significance
Pham Huy Binh, director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, stated, “The 20th anniversary of ITE HCMC 2026 is not simply a milestone in time; it also reflects the Expo’s growing maturity in terms of scale, quality and standing. Over
the three days of the event, Ho Chi Minh City is honoured to host the Tourism Ministers’ Meetings of Mekong subregional co-operation frameworks, while also bringing together a series of thematic forums addressing the trends shaping the future of tourism, including artificial intelligence (AI), destination brand management, medical tourism and tourism technology start-ups.”
