The International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City (ITE HCMC) will be held from August 27 to 29, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre. The 2026 edition is set to be the largest in the expo’s history, with more than 520 exhibitors and brands participating along with 260 international buyers representing over 40 countries and territories.
Since its inception between 2005 and 2010, when it attracted roughly 210 exhibitors and 120 buyers, the expo has seen significant growth. The number of pre-arranged business appointments increased from about 3,200 in its early years to over 21,000 scheduled for the
2026 event, demonstrating its expanding influence in the Asia-Pacific travel sector.
Hosted Buyers Programme Drives The Expo
The ITE HCMC’s Hosted Buyers Programme remains a unique feature in Vietnam, selecting and fully sponsoring qualified international buyers with the potential to close deals post-event. The municipal Department of Tourism highlights this programme as central to the expo’s brand and commercial success.
Policy Dialogue and Business Promotion Forum
Aside from being a trade exhibition, ITE HCMC acts as a forum for tourism cooperation, policy dialogue, and knowledge sharing at the Asia-Pacific regional level. The event includes diplomatic activities, summits, and networking sessions that combine policy and business promotion with innovation, setting it apart from
other regional tourism fairs.
Vietnam Airlines Supports Connectivity and Promotion
Vietnam Airlines supports the expo by strengthening both domestic and international air links. The airline has organized more than 50 outbound tourism survey trips and around 20 inbound delegations related to tourism. It has also conducted approximately 20 tourism promotion and marketing events, expanding its network to connect Vietnamese tourist destinations to global markets.
Technology and Expanded Activities Enhance the Expo
Technology, particularly artificial intelligence, is increasingly influencing the expo’s outreach efforts. C.I.S Vietnam Advertising & Exhibition JSC emphasizes that AI reshapes promotional activities through online activation and targeted events. The 2026 expo will feature additional activities such as seminars, destination reveals, product
launches, networking events, cultural showcases, and interactive experiences.
Organisers implement an integrated communications campaign targeting key markets before, during, and after the event, supported by the International Media Programme, which engages global press, trade media, key opinion leaders, and digital platforms. All 34 of Vietnam’s cities and provinces participate, showcasing a comprehensive tourism ecosystem alongside international counterparts.
