The International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City (ITE HCMC) is scheduled to take place from August 27 to 29, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre. The event will gather more than 520 exhibitors and brands, with 260 buyers representing over 40 countries and territories. Operating under the theme “Vibrant Connections – Global Destinations,” the expo will feature participants from all 34 Vietnamese cities and provinces alongside partners in travel, hospitality, aviation, transportation, and tourism technology sectors.
Growth and Business Engagement Expansion
Since its early years between 2005 and 2010, ITE HCMC has expanded significantly. Initially, the expo attracted around 210 exhibitors and
brands, approximately 120 international buyers from 18 countries, and held over 3,200 pre-arranged business meetings. In 2026, expectations include more than 21,000 pre-arranged business appointments, marking nearly an eightfold increase in scheduled B2B meetings, highlighting its expanding regional influence and the strength of connections among domestic and international travel firms.
Hosted Buyers Programme and Communication Strategy
The Vietnamese municipal Department of Tourism characterizes the Hosted Buyers Programme as a central element of the expo’s brand. This programme uniquely selects, invites, and fully sponsors qualified international buyers who have the potential to conclude commercial deals post-event. Organizers implement an integrated communications strategy targeting key markets before, during,
and after the expo to maximize media value and business promotion opportunities for participating localities and companies. This includes the International Media Programme, which engages global press, trade publications, content creators, key opinion leaders, and digital platforms to elevate the expo’s global visibility.
Vietnam Airlines and Local Authorities’ Support
Vietnam Airlines plays a pivotal role in supporting ITE HCMC 2026 by enhancing domestic and international air connectivity aligned with the event. The airline has conducted over 50 outbound tourism survey trips and approximately 20 inbound delegations to promote Vietnam’s tourism. It has also organized around 20 tourism marketing and promotion events to integrate aviation with tourism
growth. The municipal Department of Tourism and C.I.S Vietnam Advertising & Exhibition JSC contribute by advancing specialised summits, diplomatic activities, and technology-driven outreach including the integration of artificial intelligence in targeted digital campaigns for tourism promotion.
Tourism Cooperation, Regional Influence and Innovation
ITE HCMC serves as a principal Asia-Pacific forum linking tourism policy, business development, and innovation. The event facilitates high-level diplomatic activities, networking sessions, and expert summits alongside trade exhibits. Exhibitors launch new routes, products, and services supported by demand-stimulus schemes and local specialty showcases. The expo projects Vietnam’s image internationally, strengthens inter-regional tourism partnerships, and leverages technology such as AI to enhance marketing and
buyer-seller matchmaking, advancing the tourism sector’s expansion within the region.
Official Perspectives on Expo Development
Officials from the municipal Department of Tourism highlight the significance of sustained integrated communication efforts and the exclusive hosting of qualified buyers to drive trade outcomes. Vietnam Airlines leadership emphasizes the continual expansion of air links to support outbound and inbound tourism growth. Industry representatives note the increasing role of technology and artificial intelligence in reshaping event outreach through dynamic online activations and precise targeting, marking a strategic evolution in tourism promotion in line with the expo’s scale and objectives.
