Vietnam’s biggest international travel exhibition, ITE HCMC 2026, is scheduled from 27 to 29 August 2026 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. The 20th edition is set to be the largest since its 2005 inception, involving over 520 exhibitors and 260 international buyers representing markets from Asia, the Middle East, Europe, North America, and Oceania.
Organizers and Partnerships
The event is held under the auspices of Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City. It is jointly organized by the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism and the Ho
Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, with additional support from the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Promotion Center and C.I.S Vietnam Advertising & Exhibition Joint Stock Company. International organizations such as UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO), the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), and the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) are key participants.
Hosted Buyers Programme and B2B Appointments
ITE HCMC 2026 will feature a hosted buyers programme, unique in Vietnam, bringing 260 high-level international buyers to the event. This programme facilitates 21,000 pre-scheduled business-to-business (B2B) appointments, including Buyers-Sellers Speed Dating on 26 August and B2B Business Matching scheduled for 27
and 28 August. These appointments represent an eightfold increase compared to early editions, reflecting the expo’s expanding role in connecting travel trade professionals.
Tourism Ministers’ Meetings and Forums
Ho Chi Minh City will concurrently host three Tourism Ministers’ Meetings focused on Mekong subregional cooperation frameworks during the event. The expo also includes thematic forums addressing MICE tourism’s future with an emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and global connectivity. Representatives from GSTC, TCEB, PATA, Mastercard, Google, and other international partners will participate in discussions covering trends such as artificial intelligence (AI), destination brand management, medical tourism, and tourism-related startups.
Public Engagement and Cultural Activities
The event incorporates a public programme featuring artistic
performances, cultural exchanges, culinary experiences, and interactive activities designed to engage consumers. Additionally, pre- and post-tours are organized for international buyers and media, enhancing understanding of Vietnam’s tourism offerings beyond the exhibition floor.
Pham Huy Binh, director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, characterized the 20th anniversary as indicative of the expo’s maturity in scale and quality, highlighting the significance of the regional ministers’ meetings and thematic forums that address evolving tourism trends.
