PRESS RELEASE

OPENING CEREMONY

20TH INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL EXPO HO CHI MINH CITY –
ITE HCMC 2026

Ho Chi Minh City, August 27, 2026 – The 20th International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City (ITE HCMC 2026) officially opened this morning at the Main Stage of the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), 799 Nguyen Van Linh Street, Tan My Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. The Opening Ceremony marks the beginning of three days of tourism trade promotion, business networking, policy dialogue and destination experiences, taking place from August 27–29, 2026.

Marking two decades of development, ITE HCMC 2026 continues to reinforce its position as one of Vietnam’s major international tourism trade promotion events and a leading platform in the Mekong region, while further expanding its role as a strategic platform connecting destinations, businesses and international markets.

An International Tourism Trade Event of Growing Scale and Reach

The Opening Ceremony of ITE HCMC 2026 marks a significant milestone in the 20-year journey of the international travel expo, which has grown into one of the region’s leading tourism trade events.

The 2026 edition sets a new benchmark in scale, bringing together more than 520 exhibitors and established tourism brands, representing a comprehensive tourism ecosystem across destinations, travel, accommodation, aviation, transportation and tourism technology.

The expo also demonstrates its growing international reach through the participation of leading National Tourism Organizations (NTOs), including the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) and the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), alongside tourism representatives and partners from Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Bhutan, Saint Petersburg (Russian Federation), Nicaragua and other strategic international markets.

At the national level, ITE HCMC 2026 brings together 34 provinces and cities across Vietnam, alongside leading corporations and businesses across the tourism value chain.

More than a conventional exhibition space, ITE HCMC 2026 continues to strengthen its role as a strategic tourism trade and business platform for the region, enabling businesses to showcase and promote their products, forge meaningful partnerships, identify emerging market trends and unlock new opportunities for sustainable international cooperation.

The Opening Ceremony was honored by the presence of senior leaders from the Party, State and Government of Vietnam; leaders of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism and the Department of International Cooperation; leaders of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, People’s Council, People’s Committee and Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee; leaders of provincial and municipal People’s Committees and tourism authorities; tourism ministers and senior tourism officials from other countries; mayors and city leaders from international destinations; representatives of foreign Consulates General; International Buyers; exhibitors; Vietnamese tourism businesses; and a large number of domestic and international media representatives.

Speaking at the Opening Ceremony, Mr. Nguyen Loc Ha, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, emphasized:

“Twenty years is a milestone worthy of recognition, but it also sets a clear expectation for a new chapter of development. Ho Chi Minh City hopes that ITE HCMC will not only continue to grow in scale, but, more importantly, further enhance the quality of connections, the effectiveness of cooperation and the value it delivers to participating partners.

From Ho Chi Minh City, we look towards a more interconnected tourism ecosystem, stronger competitiveness and deeper international integration – contributing to positioning Vietnam as an increasingly attractive and responsible destination, with a stronger standing in the global tourism market.”

Expanding Opportunities for International Business

A key highlight of the International Buyer Programme at ITE HCMC 2026 is the growing quality and diversity of participating partners, with the presence of major international tourism groups, travel companies and organizations. Notably, a number of well-established global brands are participating in ITE HCMC for the first time, further strengthening the expo’s international reach.

Among the prominent international partners are TUI Group and DERTOUR, two of Europe’s leading travel groups; Flight Centre Travel Group and Ignite Travel Group, with extensive international travel networks; and Trip.com Group, a global travel technology company. The expo also welcomes leading specialists in luxury and experiential travel, including Goway, Remote Lands and Uniworld TTC.

In the MICE and corporate travel segment, the participation of BCD Meetings & Events, HelmsBriscoe, American Express Global Business Travel (AMEX GBT), FCM Travel India and MCI Middle East expands access to high-value travel segments and corporate business opportunities.

Meanwhile, the presence of multinational companies such as Education First (EF), Xiaomi and GE HealthCare creates potential connections with emerging segments at the intersection of tourism, education, technology, healthcare and business travel.

The growing presence of major international partners across diverse markets and sectors reflects the increasing appeal of ITE HCMC on the global tourism stage. It also creates new opportunities to build partnerships and attract higher-value visitor segments to Ho Chi Minh City and destinations across Vietnam.

Following the Opening Ceremony, business networking and trade activities at ITE HCMC 2026 officially get underway, creating opportunities for Vietnamese tourism businesses to connect directly with more than 260 International Buyers from over 40 countries and territories across Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, Europe, North America and Oceania.

With more than 21,000 pre-scheduled B2B appointments, ITE HCMC 2026 provides an effective platform for businesses to showcase their products, identify potential partners, expand into new markets and pursue new business opportunities – bringing Vietnamese destinations and tourism products closer to international markets.

A Strategic Forum for Regional Tourism Cooperation and Policy Dialogue

Beyond its role as a tourism trade exhibition, ITE HCMC 2026 continues to expand as a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange and regional tourism cooperation.

Through the Regional Tourism Ministers’ Conference, industry forums and specialized conferences, the expo brings together government authorities, destination marketing organizations, localities, businesses and international partners to exchange perspectives on market trends, tourism policies, innovation and emerging opportunities for cooperation.

The combination of policy dialogue, tourism trade promotion and business networking creates a multi-layered ecosystem of activities, further strengthening ITE HCMC’s role in advancing tourism cooperation between Vietnam, the region and the wider world.

A Major Cultural and Tourism Festival for the Public in the Heart of Ho Chi Minh City

Beyond its dedicated B2B trade environment, ITE HCMC 2026 opens its doors to the public, transforming the expo into a vibrant three-day tourism and cultural festival from the afternoon of August 27 through August 29, 2026.

Within this open experience space, residents and visitors can discover new tourism products and tour programmes, thousands of travel promotions and special offers, locally recognized OCOP products, and the culinary highlights of destinations across Vietnam.

Traditional artistic performances, diverse cultural exchanges and interactive experiences will add to the festive atmosphere, offering the public an engaging opportunity to discover destinations and cultures while enabling businesses to connect directly with consumers, stimulate travel demand and expand their visibility among domestic and international visitors.

20 Years Alongside the Development of Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam

First launched in 2005, ITE HCMC has evolved from a regional event into a respected international tourism trade promotion platform in Vietnam. Over the past two decades, the expo has connected government authorities, localities, businesses, destination marketing organizations and international partners, contributing to the promotion of Vietnam’s tourism image, the expansion of international cooperation and the creation of new opportunities for tourism development.

The first editions of ITE HCMC laid the foundation for direct encounters between Vietnamese businesses and international markets. Today, at its 20-year milestone, the expo has grown into a diverse and increasingly interconnected tourism ecosystem, bringing together destinations, businesses, International Buyers and partners across the tourism value chain.

The expo’s development also demonstrates the value of sustained collaboration between the public sector and the business community. Mobilizing resources from airlines, tourism businesses, accommodation providers, organizations and domestic and international partners has contributed to higher standards of event delivery, stronger business outcomes and a broader international reach for ITE HCMC.

From a 20-Year Milestone to a New Chapter of Development

The 20-year journey of ITE HCMC has been shaped by encounters, connections and opportunities for cooperation. From its early beginnings on a more modest scale, the expo has continuously expanded its markets, partnerships and tourism ecosystem, strengthening its role as a bridge between Vietnamese tourism and the world.

The 2026 edition provides an opportunity not only to reflect on this journey, but also to open a new chapter of development – one in which tourism trade, policy dialogue, innovation and destination promotion come together within a dynamic international tourism ecosystem.

Under the theme “Vibrant Connections – Global Destinations,” ITE HCMC 2026 continues to connect destinations, businesses and markets, expanding opportunities for cooperation while bringing the stories and experiences of Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City closer to international audiences.

The Organizing Committee warmly welcomes tourism promotion agencies, localities, associations, businesses, International Buyers and domestic and international partners to join ITE HCMC 2026, connect with markets, expand cooperation and work together to create new value for Vietnamese tourism./.

ACKNOWLEDGING THE SUPPORT OF SPONSORS AND PARTNERS

Through proactive engagement, outreach and efforts to mobilize support from the business community, the Organizing Committee of the 20th Ho Chi Minh City International Travel Expo (ITE HCMC 2026) has received valuable support, sponsorship and contributions from numerous organizations and businesses.

This support not only contributes to enhancing the quality and professionalism of the Expo, but also reflects a shared commitment to advancing tourism in Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam in a professional, modern and internationally integrated direction.

The Organizing Committee sincerely acknowledges and appreciates the invaluable support of the following sponsors:

💎 DIAMOND SPONSORS:

1. Vingroup Joint Stock Company (Vingroup JSC);
2. Airports Corporation of Vietnam – JSC (ACV);
3. Saigontourist Group;
4. Vietnam Airlines JSC;
5. GEM Center;
6. Ho Tram Project Company Limited – The Grand Ho Tram;

🥇 GOLD SPONSORS:

7. Hotel Grand Saigon;
8. Rex Hotel Saigon;
9. Saigon Exhibition and Convention Joint Venture Co.,Ltd.;
10. Emirates;
11. Hotel Majestic Saigon;
12. Turkish Airlines;

🥈 SILVER SPONSORS:

13. Green and Smart Mobility Joint Stock Company (GSM);
14. EVA Air;
15. T-Ritz Saigon Hotel & Apartment;
16. BM Manufacturing – Trading – Services Company Limited – BM Wine;
17. Sofitel Saigon Plaza;
18. Wink Hotels – Unscripted by Hyatt;
19. Loa Loa Culture & Cuisine Joint Stock Company;
20. Saigon Indochine Cruise Joint Stock Company;
21. Foody Corporation – ShopeeFood;

🥉 BRONZE SPONSORS:

22. Vietjet Aviation Joint Stock Company – Vietjet Air;
23. Ho Chi Minh City Arts Center;
24. Mai House Saigon Hotel;
25. Royal Hotel Saigon;
26. Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon;
27. Caravelle Saigon Hotel;
28. New World Saigon Hotel;
29. Hotel Nikko Saigon;
30. BT Tour Event Organization and Community Tourist Company Limited;
31. Dau An Show Co., Ltd;
32. Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel;
33. PR Newswire Asia Limited;
34. Lao Phu Food Trading Services Joint Stock Company;
35. Sun Group;

🤝 PARTNERS:

36. Liberty Central Saigon Centre Hotel;
37. Pho Museum;
38. Ban Me Gold Company Limited;
39. Hotel Continental Saigon;
40. La’artisan Joint Stock Company;
41. Qingdao Airlines;
42. Melia Ho Tram;
43. Equatorial Ho Chi Minh City;
44. Oscar Saigon Hotel;
45. Saigon Prince Hotel;
46. Ocany Viet Nam Venture Co.,Ltd;
47. Windsor Plaza Hotel;
48. Harmony Crochet Household Business;
49. MobiFone Ho Chi Minh City;
50. East West Brewing Company. 

*EVENT ORGANIZATION PARTNER – C.I.S Vietnam Advertising & Exhibition Joint Stock Company

C.I.S Vietnam Advertising & Exhibition Joint Stock Company is one of Vietnam’s leading professional event, trade fair and exhibition organizers. Over the years, C.I.S Vietnam has worked closely with the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism and the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism as the Event Organization Partner of ITE HCMC.

With its professional event management capabilities and in-depth understanding of the tourism market, C.I.S Vietnam has worked alongside ITE HCMC through numerous successful editions – from the challenging period of rebuilding after the COVID-19 pandemic to the milestone 20th edition of ITE HCMC 2026.

Its contributions span a wide range of areas, including event operations, exhibition space design and construction, logistics, international delegation reception and hospitality, and coordination of the Hosted Buyers Programme. C.I.S Vietnam has also demonstrated continued flexibility in adapting the Expo model to global trends, from hybrid exhibition formats combining on-site and online participation to the application of AI-powered technologies in B2B business matching and networking.

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