The International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City (ITE HCMC) 2026 is scheduled from August 27 to 29 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre. The event will be the largest edition to date, featuring more than 520 exhibitors and brands. Organizers expect around 260 qualified international buyers from over 40 countries and territories to attend, alongside more than 21,000 pre-arranged business appointments.
Growth and Scale of the Expo
Since its inception, ITE HCMC has expanded significantly. Between 2005 and 2010, about 210 exhibitors and 120 international buyers participated, generating roughly 3,200 pre-scheduled B2B meetings. In contrast, the 2026 event anticipates nearly eight times more business
appointments, reflecting the expo’s growth into a major Asia-Pacific travel industry platform connecting domestic and international tourism firms.
Key Programmes Boosting Business Connections
The expo’s Hosted Buyers Programme invites and fully sponsors qualified buyers with commercial potential, ensuring effective business matchmaking. Organizers have implemented an integrated marketing campaign with the International Media Programme, involving global press agencies, trade publications, content creators, and digital platforms from multiple nations. This multi-platform approach enhances promotion of Vietnam’s destinations and tourism products, elevating the event’s regional significance.
Vietnam Airlines’ Support and Promotion
Vietnam Airlines is the main airline supporter of ITE HCMC 2026. The carrier has systematically expanded both domestic and international flight networks
in alignment with the expo. The airline has conducted over 50 outbound tourism survey trips and around 20 inbound delegations. It has also organized approximately 20 promotional events to strengthen tourism ties and increase access to Vietnamese destinations for global markets.
Technology and Broader Industry Participation
Advancements in technology, notably artificial intelligence, are playing an increasing role in tourism promotion and event networking, according to C.I.S Vietnam Advertising & Exhibition JSC, the expo organizer. The event features tourism promotion agencies from multiple countries and 34 Vietnamese cities and provinces. It integrates a diverse ecosystem that includes travel, hospitality, aviation, transportation, and tourism technology sectors.
Cultural
programming will complement trade activities, offering music performances, culinary showcases, and interactive product displays on the expo floor, creating a dynamic atmosphere for participants.
Official Perspectives on Expo Development
Pham Huy Binh, Director of the municipal Department of Tourism, emphasized the integrated communications campaign and International Media Programme as vital to establishing the expo as an international gateway. Le Chi Quan, Deputy Director of Vietnam Airlines Vietnam branch, noted the airline’s commitment to expanding flight networks and tourism support aligned with the event. Duong Tri Dung, General Director of C.I.S Vietnam Advertising & Exhibition JSC, highlighted the growing influence of technology and AI in evolving
tourism promotion methods at ITE HCMC.
