The 20th edition of the Ho Chi Minh City International Travel Expo (ITE HCMC 2026) is scheduled from August 27 to August 29, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The event theme is “Vibrant Connections – Global Destinations.” The expo is directed by Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, with joint organization by the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism and the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism. The Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Promotion Center and C.I.S Vietnam Advertising &
Exhibition Joint Stock Company are also key organizers.
Participation and Scale of ITE HCMC 2026
ITE HCMC 2026 is expected to feature over 520 exhibitors and brands, representing 34 provinces and cities across Vietnam. More than 260 high-level international buyers will attend from over 40 countries and territories. The event will welcome approximately 600 international delegates and 50 high-level delegations. Organizers anticipate over 21,000 pre-scheduled business-to-business appointments and around 30,000 visitors. Sixty international media outlets will provide coverage.
Historical Growth of ITE HCMC
Established in 2005, ITE HCMC began as a regional trade event and has evolved over two decades into Vietnam’s largest international travel expo. The platform has facilitated cooperation between
government bodies, local authorities, domestic tourism businesses, and international partners. This has contributed to Vietnam’s tourism promotion, enhanced inter-regional connections, and broadened international cooperation.
Public-Private Partnerships and Resource Mobilization
For the 2026 edition, the expo emphasizes mobilizing social resources and strengthening public-private partnerships to improve organization and quality. This approach has enhanced support and engagement from airlines, businesses, organizations, and partners both in Vietnam and internationally. Such collaboration provides resources for professional hosting of buyers and strengthens the business networking framework.
Comparison to Initial Expo Period
Between 2005 and 2010, ITE HCMC gathered around 210 exhibitors and brands, 120 international buyers from 18 countries, and over 3,200 B2B appointments. For
2026, the estimated participation shows more than 520 exhibitors and brands, 260 buyers from more than 40 countries, and over 21,000 pre-arranged B2B meetings. The B2B appointments have increased more than eightfold since the early years, highlighting the expo’s expanded role as a major business networking platform in the global tourism sector.
