The 20th International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City (ITE HCMC 2026) opened on August 27, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre (SECC), hosting more than 520 exhibitors and 260 international buyers from over 40 countries and territories. The event ran through August 29 and was jointly organized by the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism and the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism under the theme “Vibrant Connections – Global Destinations.”
International and Domestic Participation
ITE HCMC 2026 featured tourism promotion agencies and businesses from countries including the Republic of Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Bhutan, Russia’s St. Petersburg, and
Nicaragua. Thirty-four Vietnamese provinces and cities participated alongside major travel, accommodation, aviation, transport, and tourism technology enterprises. Key Vietnamese tourism hubs represented included Da Nang, Hoi An, Mui Ne, and Phu Quoc.
Buyer Programme and Tourism Trends
More than 260 international buyers took part in a business-to-business programme that scheduled over 21,000 appointments with Vietnamese tourism companies. The event highlighted emerging tourism sectors such as green and digital tourism, waterway and metro tourism, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions), medical tourism, and cultural and rural experiences.
Officials’ Remarks on Expo Growth
Nguyen Loc Ha, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, described the 20th anniversary of the
expo as an important milestone that also initiated a new development phase focused on enhancing the quality of cooperation and value among partners. Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ho An Phong said the expo had evolved from a traditional trade promotion event into an international annual meeting for the tourism industry.
Vietnam’s Official Representation and Cultural Promotions
The Vietnamese Embassy in Canada participated to promote Vietnam as a travel destination, supported by domestic tourism businesses. Vietnam Airlines attended as the national flag carrier. The expo offered cultural and culinary experiences, including tourism promotions by Vietnamese provinces and businesses aiming to attract year-round visitors.
Public Access and Cultural Events
The
expo was open to the public from the afternoon of August 27 through August 29, featuring tourism exhibitions, cultural and culinary activities, OCOP (One Commune-One Product) products, promotional programmes, and art performances. These activities provided visitors with regional and traditional experiences beyond the business sessions.
Infrastructure Projects Supporting Tourism Development
In August 2026, Southern Power Corporation (EVNSPC) finalized and energized three power projects with a combined investment of nearly 2.165 trillion VND to improve electricity supply for the Phu Quoc Special Zone. These infrastructure enhancements are expected to support regional tourism development and major upcoming events such as the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week in 2027.
