The 20th International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City (ITE HCMC 2026) commenced on August 27 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre (SECC). This three-day event, running through August 29, is co-organized by the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism and the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism. The expo unites more than 520 exhibitors and 260 international buyers representing over 40 countries and territories.
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 are participating. Domestically, 34 Vietnamese provinces and cities have representatives, alongside
major enterprises from sectors such as travel, accommodation, aviation, transport, and tourism technology. Vietnam Airlines and tourism companies from destinations including Da Nang, Hoi An, Mui Ne, and Phu Quoc are featured exhibitors.
Officials Highlight Expo’s Role and Development
Nguyen Loc Ha, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, noted the expo’s 20th anniversary as a key milestone, emphasizing a shift toward enhancing the quality of connections and cooperation beyond event scale. Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ho An Phong described ITE HCMC as having evolved from a trade promotion event into an international travel expo and annual tourism industry meeting
point.
International Buyers Programme and Business Opportunities
The expo includes an international buyers programme engaging over 260 buyers from more than 40 countries in over 21,000 scheduled business-to-business meetings. This programme facilitates opportunities for businesses to present products, secure partnerships, and expand into new markets.
Tourism Trends and Public Access
ITE HCMC 2026 spotlights emerging trends including green and digital tourism, waterway and metro tourism, MICE, medical tourism, as well as cultural and rural tourism experiences. The event is open to the public from August 27 afternoon through August 29, offering tourism, cultural, culinary activities, OCOP products, promotional programmes, and art performances.
Vietnamese Representation and Infrastructure Support
The Vietnamese Embassy in Canada joined the exhibition to
promote Vietnam as a travel destination. National carrier Vietnam Airlines and Vietnamese tourism businesses are actively involved. Additionally, Southern Power Corporation (EVNSPC) completed and energized three power projects investing nearly 2.165 trillion VND in August 2026. These projects enhance the power supply capacity in the Phu Quoc Special Zone and support upcoming international events such as APEC Economic Leaders’ Week 2027.
Regional Impact and Tourism Cooperation
ITE HCMC functions as a forum for tourism cooperation, policy dialogue, and knowledge sharing across the Asia-Pacific. The expo encourages stronger connections between tourism agencies, businesses, airlines, and service providers to position Vietnamese destinations within the global market. It
aligns with regional efforts addressing seasonality challenges by promoting year-round tourism products and services.
