The 20th International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City (ITE HCMC 2026) opened on August 27 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre (SECC). The event is jointly organized by the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism and the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism and runs through August 29 under the theme “Vibrant Connections – Global Destinations.”
ITE HCMC 2026 hosts over 520 exhibitors and 260 international buyers from more than 40 countries and territories. The expo includes 34 Vietnamese provinces and cities alongside key businesses in travel, accommodation, aviation, transport, and tourism technology. The international buyers programme has
scheduled over 21,000 business-to-business appointments.
International Buyers Programme and Emerging Tourism Trends
The expo’s international buyers programme facilitates connections between Vietnamese tourism enterprises and buyers from countries including the Republic of Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Bhutan, Russia’s St. Petersburg, and Nicaragua. The programme enables product introductions, partnership formation, and market expansion. ITE HCMC 2026 spotlights tourism trends such as green and digital tourism, waterway and metro tourism, MICE and medical tourism, and cultural and rural tourism experiences.
Vietnamese Representation and Participant Highlights
Vietnam Airlines, the national flag carrier, represents Vietnam at the expo. Tourism businesses from Da Nang, Hoi An, Mui Ne, and Phu Quoc showcase travel offerings targeting rising
summer demand. The Vietnamese Embassy in Canada participates to promote Vietnam tourism. The high-end JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort by Sun Group on Kem Beach is featured as a prominent accommodation option.
Public Access and Cultural Activities
ITE HCMC 2026 is open to the public from the afternoon of August 27 through August 29. Visitors can experience tourism, cultural and culinary showcases, OCOP products, promotional programmes, and art performances during the three-day event.
Official Statements on Event Significance
Nguyen Loc Ha, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, said the 20th anniversary marks a key milestone and initiates a new development stage emphasizing quality connections
and cooperation. Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ho An Phong noted that the expo has evolved from a trade promotion event into an international travel expo and an annual industry meeting point.
Tourism Cooperation and Regional Impact
ITE HCMC functions as a major forum in the Asia-Pacific region for tourism cooperation, policy dialogue, and knowledge exchange. It promotes connectivity among tourism agencies, businesses, airlines, and service providers, strengthening Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnamese destinations in the global tourism market.
Role in Enhancing Global Tourism Partnerships
The event enhances tourism partnerships worldwide by gathering diverse exhibitors and buyers to explore business opportunities and share emerging tourism trends. Its international
buyers programme is designed to support market expansion and product introduction across more than 40 countries and territories.
