The next International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City (ITE HCMC 2026) is not only its 20th anniversary, it is also the largest expo since its inception in 2005, and reaffirms Vietnam’s position as one of the leading platforms for international tourism, trade promotion and co–operation, and highlights Vietnam’s continued elevation and tourism profile on the international stage.
ITE HCMC is an annual international tourism trade promotion event held under the direction of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City. It is led by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, in co-ordination with the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism and relevant agencies and organisations.
Taking place from 27-29 August, 2026 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City with a theme of Vibrant Connections – Global Destinations, the event goes beyond connecting businesses with markets. It connects policy with practice, technology with innovation, destinations with international partners, and tourism with the community – which all contribute to strengthening the position of Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam on the regional and global tourism map.
Background
First held in 2005, ITE HCMC has established itself as a pioneering international tourism trade event in Vietnam, distinguished by its professionally organised and high-quality Hosted Buyers Program, which brings together strategic partners from key international markets.
ITE HCMC has helped shape market development trends, expand business opportunities and increase the effectiveness of international tourism promotion. Further, it provides a direct platform for Vietnamese tourism businesses to connect with international buyers, tourism promotion organisations, airlines, accommodation providers, investors and partners across the global tourism value chain.
Growth
This year’s 20th-anniversary milestone also marks the most significant expansion in the event’s history. During its initial period from 2005 to 2010, ITE HCMC brought together approximately 210 exhibitors and brands, 120 international buyers from 18 countries and territories, and more than 3,200 B2B appointments.
This year it is expected to welcome:
- 30,000+ visitors
- more than 520 exhibitors and brands
- 260 international buyers from more than 40 countries and territories
- over 21,000 pre-scheduled B2B appointments.
Notably, the number of B2B appointments has increased by more than eightfold compared with earlier years, underscoring the growing appeal and effectiveness of ITE HCMC as a business networking platform for the domestic and international tourism community.
Hosted Buyers Program
One of the defining strengths of ITE HCMC over the past two decades lies not only in its scale, but also in its Hosted Buyers Program – a professional tourism trade promotion initiative that remains the only program of its kind in Vietnam to systematically select, invite and host qualified international tourism buyers with genuine business needs and the potential to generate commercial transactions beyond the Expo.
In 2026, the Hosted Buyers Programme is expected to bring together high-level international buyers from Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, Europe, North America and Oceania.
The Expo also brings together 34 provinces and cities across Vietnam, alongside leading companies from the travel, accommodation, aviation, transportation and travel technology sectors.
More than an exhibition space, ITE HCMC 2026 serves as a comprehensive tourism trade platform, providing businesses with opportunities to showcase their products, connect with potential partners, gain insights into emerging tourism trends, and expand international co-operation.
Conference and Forums
ITE HCMC 2026 is more than just an Expo.
The Exhibition Hall Stage and the 2nd-Floor Conference Room will be dedicated to a comprehensive program of bilingual Vietnamese–English forums, conferences and panel discussions featuring:
- Shaping the Future of MICE Tourism: Innovation, Sustainability and Global Connectivity
- Vietnam Destination Branding Development Forum
- Shaping the Future of Tourism: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Medical Tourism and Sustainable Development, hosted by Eurocham
- The Future of Travel: Driving Growth with New Google Solutions, hosted by Google
- Tourism Technology Investment & Startup Connection Day
- Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, hosted by TEDx which includes two content sessions focused on Cultural Stories and Innovation & Sustainable Tourism Development
Commenting on the program of activities, Mr. Pham Huy Binh, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism said:
“A tourism promotion event can only be truly meaningful when the value it creates reaches the wider community – from business and partnership opportunities for the industry to cultural experiences, travel incentives and special offers for residents and visitors.”
“We are building a Global Destination: a destination that is not only recognised by international friends, but also one that its people can take pride in, actively participate in, and benefit from the growth of tourism.”
