PRESS RELEASE
ITE HCMC 2026 ENTERS THE FINAL STRETCH, READY FOR A LANDMARK EDITION
Bringing together more than 260 international hosted buyers, facilitating over 26,000 pre-scheduled B2B business appointments, hosting a series of Regional Tourism Ministers’ Meetings, and offering three days of travel experiences open to the public.
Ho Chi Minh City, July 2026 – With just over one month remaining until its opening, the 20th Ho Chi Minh City International Travel Expo (ITE HCMC 2026) is entering its final stage of preparations for what is set to be the largest edition in its two-decade history.
ITE HCMC 2026 is held under the direction of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, and is organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism in collaboration with the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism and other relevant agencies and partners. The close and well-coordinated collaboration among government agencies and partner organizations continues to reaffirm the significance, role, and importance of ITE HCMC as Vietnam’s leading international travel trade event. The Expo serves as a key platform for promoting the country’s tourism, strengthening domestic collaboration, expanding international partnerships, and enhancing the competitiveness of Vietnam’s tourism industry.
Taking place from 27 – 29 August 2026 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) under the theme “Vibrant Connections – Global Destinations,” ITE HCMC 2026 is expected to welcome more than 500 exhibitors and travel brands, over 260 international buyers from more than 40 countries and territories, facilitate over 26,000 pre-scheduled B2B business appointments, and attract approximately 50,000 trade and public visitors. Beyond being a premier international travel trade event, ITE HCMC 2026 invites the public to discover exclusive travel offers, vibrant cultural experiences from over 40 countries and territories, and immersive destination showcases throughout the three-day event, with dedicated public access sessions on the first two days and full-day admission on the final day.
More than a destination showcase, ITE HCMC 2026 serves as an international business platform where exhibitors can strengthen brand visibility, engage with qualified buyers, and expand strategic partnerships across high-potential markets. This year’s Hosted Buyer Program will welcome buyers and partners from Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, Europe, North America, and Oceania, including representatives from leading global travel companies and organizations such as TUI Group, DERTOUR, Travco Corporation, Amex GBT, Flight Centre Travel Group, Thomas Cook, Trip.com Group, Education First (EF), Luxury Escapes, DidaTravel, Cox & Kings, FCM Travel India, and PJE Group.
With more than 26,000 scheduled B2B business appointments, ITE HCMC 2026 offers exhibitors valuable opportunities to meet the right partners, access targeted markets, and establish long-term business relationships. Participating as an exhibitor not only enhances brand positioning and showcases outstanding tourism products and services, but also creates new opportunities for collaboration, market expansion, and sustainable growth in both domestic and international markets.
The Largest Edition in Two Decades
Marking its 20th anniversary, ITE HCMC 2026 is set to become the largest edition since the Expo was first launched in 2005. During its formative years (2005–2010), the event brought together 210 exhibitors and travel brands, 120 international buyers from 18 countries and territories, and facilitated more than 3,200 business appointments (B2B).
Twenty years on, ITE HCMC has grown into one of the region’s leading tourism trade events, with the 2026 edition expected to feature more than 500 exhibitors and brands, 260 international Hosted Buyers representing over 40 countries and territories, and over 26,000 scheduled B2B business meetings. Notably, the number of business appointments is projected to increase by more than eightfold compared with the event’s early years, reflecting the Expo’s growing international reputation and its effectiveness as a business platform for the tourism industry.
In addition, ITE HCMC 2026 is expected to welcome approximately 600 international delegates, 50 high-level official delegations, and more than 500 tourism and service enterprises from Viet Nam and abroad, further reinforcing its position as one of the country’s premier international tourism trade promotion events with significant regional influence.
Localities and Businesses Invited to Register for ITE HCMC 2026 Exhibition by 15 August 2026
To date, more than 150 exhibitors representing over 360 booths have confirmed their participation in ITE HCMC 2026, including more than 26 provinces and cities across Viet Nam, numerous National Tourism Organizations (NTOs), and a diverse range of domestic and international tourism enterprises. With many exhibition zones already approaching full capacity, the strong registration rate underscores the Expo’s growing appeal among tourism stakeholders across the region and beyond.
The Organizing Committee continues to welcome registrations for the remaining exhibition spaces. Destinations, tourism associations and businesses may participate through individual booths or shared regional pavilions, providing a cost-effective platform to enhance destination promotion, strengthen business networking and unlock new partnership opportunities.
As many localities across Viet Nam enter a new phase of development following recent administrative restructuring, ITE HCMC 2026 presents a timely opportunity to reposition destination brands, showcase newly integrated tourism products and regional travel experiences, and engage directly with international Hosted Buyers, leading tour operators and strategic partners – all within Viet Nam’s premier international tourism marketplace.
A Comprehensive Tourism Ecosystem Driving International Business Connectivity
Celebrating its 20th edition, ITE HCMC 2026 will once again bring together the full spectrum of the tourism value chain, creating a dynamic marketplace where destinations, tourism authorities and businesses can connect, collaborate and explore new growth opportunities.
The Expo will feature participation from National Tourism Organizations (NTOs), local tourism promotion agencies, tour operators, accommodation providers, airlines, transportation companies, travel technology firms, wellness tourism providers, destinations and a wide range of tourism service suppliers. This comprehensive ecosystem reinforces ITE HCMC’s role as one of Asia’s leading tourism trade platforms for business development and international collaboration.
ITE HCMC continues to serve as a trusted annual meeting point for many international tourism organizations. Confirmed participants include the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), as well as tourism promotion organizations from Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Bhutan, Saint Petersburg (Russian Federation), Nicaragua, and many other international partners. Their continued participation over multiple editions reflects the Expo’s strong reputation and enduring value within the global tourism community.
More than 25 provinces and cities throughout Viet Nam will also showcase their latest tourism products, destination experiences and regional tourism initiatives through local tourism promotion centers, government agencies and industry organizations. Their participation will further strengthen regional connectivity while promoting Viet Nam as a diverse, dynamic and increasingly integrated tourism destination.
The travel trade sector will feature an impressive line-up of leading companies, including Saigontourist, Hanoitourist, TransViet, Vietluxtour, Vidotour, Vietnam Impressivetour, Senteurs du Vietnam, GTrip, Mr. Linh’s Adventure, AT Travel, Dream of Vietnam, Exely (Travelline), Aurora, Vietbluetour, Asiana Link, Ya Tour, Ftrip, Make Your Asia, Hiseas Vietnam, Asian Classic Travel, Lợi Nguyên Đạt Travel, Naci Holidays, together with numerous inbound and international market specialists.
The accommodation sector will be represented by an extensive portfolio of internationally recognized hotel and resort brands, including Accor, Mercure, Silk Path, Nesta, Alagon, Kin Hotel, Hotel Nikko, Cosmo, Grand Ho Tram, Mường Thanh, Wafaifo, Fusion, The Anam Group, Wink Hotels, Mikazuki, Grand Meliá, Novotel, MGallery and Bhaya, alongside many other leading domestic and international hospitality brands.
Reflecting the evolving landscape of the tourism industry, ITE HCMC 2026 will also showcase businesses in cruise tourism, wellness tourism and travel technology. Companies such as Halora Cruise, Viet Princess, Cycad Cruise, Oriental Sails, Legacy Voyages, FMP Healthcare Group, Elite Dental Group, MoMo, Cloud Telecommunications, Hai75 and MyProGuide will introduce innovative solutions in premium travel experiences, healthcare tourism, digital transformation and smart tourism.
The aviation and transportation sector will feature leading brands including Vietnam Airlines, Vietravel Airlines, Phu Quoc Express, Son Hai, GSM (Xanh SM) and other transportation providers, highlighting integrated mobility solutions that enhance connectivity and improve the overall visitor experience.
Beyond business networking, the exhibition will also showcase cultural destinations, tourism attractions, OCOP (One Commune One Product) specialties, local handicrafts, souvenirs and regional culinary products, offering international buyers and visitors a deeper appreciation of Viet Nam’s rich cultural heritage and distinctive local identities.
260 International Hosted Buyers – The Signature Advantage That Defines ITE HCMC
For the past 20 years, the Hosted Buyers Programme has been the defining feature that distinguishes ITE HCMC from other travel trade events in Viet Nam. As the country’s only international travel expo operating a fully hosted buyer programme, ITE HCMC carefully selects, invites and sponsors qualified international buyers with proven purchasing power, genuine business interests and strong potential to generate tangible commercial partnerships beyond the Expo.
In 2026, the Expo is expected to welcome 260 international Hosted Buyers from Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, South Asia and the Middle East, representing some of the world’s leading travel corporations, tour operators and tourism organizations, including TUI Group, DERTOUR, Travco Corporation, Amex GBT, Flight Centre Travel Group, Thomas Cook, Trip.com Group, Education First (EF), Luxury Escapes, DidaTravel, Cox & Kings, FCM Travel India, PJE Group, together with many other prominent international travel partners.
To maximize business outcomes for exhibitors and buyers alike, the Organizing Committee has completed the buyer selection process and finalized the business appointment schedule for a comprehensive series of networking activities before, during and after the Expo, including:
- Speed Networking – taking place on the morning of 26 August 2026, ahead of the official opening ceremony, enabling Hosted Buyers and exhibitors to establish initial business connections through structured one-on-one meetings.
- Business Matching – held on 27–28 August, featuring more than 26,000 pre-scheduled B2B appointments, carefully matched according to product categories, target markets and each participant’s business objectives.
- Pre & Post Tours – specially designed familiarization programmes for international Hosted Buyers and media representatives before and after the Expo, providing destinations across Viet Nam with valuable opportunities to showcase their tourism products, experiences and investment potential directly to global travel decision-makers.
At a time when participation costs at major international travel trade fairs continue to rise, ITE HCMC’s Hosted Buyers Programme offers a highly cost-effective alternative for destinations and tourism businesses – particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). By bringing high-quality international buyers directly to Viet Nam, the Expo enables participants to access global markets, establish strategic partnerships and achieve meaningful trade promotion outcomes without the substantial costs typically associated with overseas exhibitions.
Regional Tourism Ministers’ Meetings and High-Level Industry Forums
Beyond serving as a premier international travel trade marketplace, ITE HCMC 2026 continues to reinforce its role as one of the region’s leading platforms for tourism policy dialogue, regional cooperation and knowledge exchange through a series of Senior Officials’ Meetings (SOM) and Tourism Ministers’ Meetings, including:
- The 8th CLMV Tourism Ministers’ Meeting (Cambodia – Lao PDR -Myanmar – Viet Nam);
- The 7th ACMECS Tourism Ministers’ Meeting under the Ayeyawady – Chao Phraya – Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy;
- The 1st CLV Tourism Ministers’ Meeting (Cambodia – Lao PDR – Viet Nam); and
- Vietnam Night, a networking programme celebrating Vietnamese culture and hospitality.
The Expo is also expected to welcome representatives from leading international tourism organizations, including UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO), the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), the Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Associations (AFECA), the Tourism Promotion Organization for Global Cities (TPO), the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB). Their participation will further strengthen regional cooperation, facilitate the exchange of policy insights and best practices, and promote sustainable tourism development across the region.
Complementing the ministerial meetings is a comprehensive programme of industry forums and professional conferences designed for tourism leaders, policymakers and businesses. These sessions will explore emerging trends, innovation and future growth opportunities across the tourism sector, including:
- High-level Tourism Forum: “Shaping the Future of MICE Tourism: Innovation, Sustainability and Global Connectivity” (27 August – morning), with the participation of senior leaders from the Government of Viet Nam, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City and the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism.
- Vietnam Destination Branding Forum 2026 (27 August – afternoon), bringing together leaders of provincial tourism authorities, tourism promotion organizations and international destination branding experts.
- EuroCham Forum: “Shaping the Future of Tourism: Artificial Intelligence, Medical Tourism and Sustainable Development” (27 August – afternoon).
- Google Industry Session: “The Future of Tourism: Driving Growth through Google’s Innovative Solutions” (28 August – morning), featuring practical demonstrations and hands-on learning sessions.
- Tourism Investment & Travel Tech Startup Day 2026 (28 August – afternoon), welcoming a delegation of 11 Korean travel technology startups introduced by the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) and CNTTECH, together with investment funds from the Startup World Cup
- TEDxSaigon 2026: “Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City” (28 August – afternoon).
Together, these activities will not only provide valuable insights into the future of the tourism industry but also create meaningful opportunities for businesses to expand their professional networks, explore innovative solutions and enhance their competitiveness in the global marketplace.
Three Days of Experiences for Trade Visitors and the Public
Unlike most business-to-business travel trade exhibitions, ITE HCMC 2026 will also open its doors to the public on the afternoons of 27 and 28 August, and throughout the day on 29 August 2026.
This public programme offers destinations and tourism businesses an opportunity to engage directly with consumers by showcasing destinations, launching new tourism products, introducing promotional campaigns and offering travel products and services on-site.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to discover cultural destinations, tourism attractions, OCOP (One Commune One Product) specialties, local handicrafts, souvenirs and regional culinary products, providing an authentic experience of Viet Nam’s rich cultural heritage while promoting the country’s diverse tourism offerings to both domestic and international visitors.
A Strategic Communications Campaign with Global Reach
Supporting the Expo’s extensive business programme is a comprehensive communications campaign spanning before, during and after the event. The Organizing Committee will implement an International Media Programme, bringing together international news agencies, travel trade publications, content creators and global influencers, alongside Viet Nam’s leading media organizations and digital communication platforms.
Through this integrated communications strategy, participating destinations, tourism brands and travel products will benefit from extensive exposure across international markets, enhancing destination promotion, strengthening brand visibility and creating new business opportunities well beyond the conclusion of the Expo.
Twenty Years of Driving Tourism Growth for Ho Chi Minh City and Viet Nam
Since its inaugural edition in 2005, ITE HCMC has grown alongside the international integration and development of Ho Chi Minh City and Viet Nam’s tourism industry, steadily establishing itself as one of the country’s flagship international tourism trade events and a leading tourism marketplace in the Greater Mekong Subregion.
Over the past two decades, the Expo has evolved far beyond a traditional business exhibition. It has become a trusted platform where destinations, tourism authorities, travel businesses and international partners forge lasting partnerships, exchange ideas and develop new opportunities. Many tourism products, cross-regional itineraries, strategic collaborations and investment initiatives have originated from connections first established at ITE HCMC, contributing to the sustainable growth of Viet Nam’s tourism industry while enhancing the international profile of Ho Chi Minh City and the country as a whole.
As ITE HCMC celebrates its 20th anniversary, the Expo continues to strengthen its role as a premier international platform for tourism trade promotion and cooperation. By enhancing business competitiveness, fostering regional connectivity, attracting investment and expanding international market access, ITE HCMC remains committed to supporting the continued growth of Ho Chi Minh City and Viet Nam in an increasingly interconnected global tourism landscape.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoa Mai, Deputy Director General of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, stated: “Over the past two decades, ITE HCMC has firmly established itself as a prestigious and large-scale international travel trade exhibition. It has played a vital role in implementing Vietnam’s national tourism promotion activities while serving as an effective platform connecting central and local government authorities, tourism businesses, and international partners. The Expo has contributed significantly to expanding tourism markets, attracting international visitors, promoting Vietnam as an attractive destination, and enhancing the competitiveness of the country’s tourism industry. These achievements continue to support Vietnam’s goal of developing tourism into a key economic sector in the new era of growth.”
Mr. Le Truong Hien Hoa, Deputy Director of the Department of Tourism of Ho Chi Minh City, said: “For the past two decades, ITE HCMC has grown in parallel with the development of Ho Chi Minh City and Viet Nam’s tourism industry, gradually becoming an important bridge connecting businesses, destinations and international markets. The Expo’s greatest value lies not only in its scale or the number of business meetings it facilitates, but more importantly in the meaningful partnerships and long-term business opportunities created after each edition.
As we celebrate this 20-year milestone, we look forward to ITE HCMC continuing to serve as a leading international tourism trade promotion platform, strengthening the competitiveness of tourism businesses, enhancing the global profile of Ho Chi Minh City, and supporting the sustainable development of Viet Nam’s tourism industry.”
Looking Ahead
Marking its 20th anniversary, ITE HCMC continues to reaffirm its position as Viet Nam’s leading international tourism trade and cooperation platform, connecting businesses with global markets, destinations with strategic partners, and creating new opportunities for sustainable growth across the tourism sector.
The Organizing Committee cordially invites tourism authorities, destinations, industry associations and businesses from Viet Nam and around the world to participate in ITE HCMC 2026 and join us in shaping another successful edition of the Expo – one that expands business opportunities, strengthens international partnerships, showcases destination brands, and further elevates the image of Ho Chi Minh City and Viet Nam as dynamic, welcoming and globally connected tourism destinations.
*Exhibition Registration & Enquiries:
Tourism authorities, destination management organizations, industry associations and businesses interested in exhibiting at ITE HCMC 2026, or requiring assistance with exhibition registration and booth-related procedures, are kindly invited to contact:
C.I.S Vietnam Advertising & Exhibition Joint Stock Company
Address: 112-A3 Dam Trau Street, Hong Ha Ward, Hanoi, Viet Nam
Contact Person: Ms. Nguyen Quynh Huong, Deputy Director
Tel: (+84) 913 056 968 | (+84) 24 3984 4104 / 4105
Email: huongnq@cisvietnam.com.vn
Tourism Promotion Center, Department of Tourism of Ho Chi Minh City
Contact Person: Mr. Hoang Duc Do
Domestic Tourism Promotion Division
Tel: (+84) 967 532 068
Email: hddo.sdl@tphcm.gov.vn
MEDIA INFORMATION:
