ITE HCMC 2025 PRESS CONFERENCE – INITIATING THE JOURNEY OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM CONNECTION

On April 11th, 2025, a press conference was held in Hanoi to officially announce the 19th International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City – ITE HCMC 2025, marking the beginning of a journey to connect sustainable, innovative, and globally integrated tourism values. The 19th edition of the Expo will officially take place from September 4th to 6th, 2025, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City.

Overview of the Press Conference

ITE HCMC 2025 – A Strategic Destination for Vietnam’s and International Tourism Industries

The main objective of the press conference was to share the organizational direction of ITE HCMC 2025, introduce the event’s theme and key activities, and invite participation from tourism businesses, media agencies, and international organizations.

Recognized as the most prestigious and largest-scale international tourism event in Vietnam and the Mekong sub-region, ITE HCMC 2025 is a professional and modern tourism trade platform that continues to expand in scale. This year, the expo is expected to attract over 520 exhibitors, 50 domestic localities, 240 international buyers from more than 30 countries and territories, along with 28,000 visitors and over 12,600 B2B appointments.

The event serves as an opportunity for domestic and international tourism businesses and organizations to connect with partners, stay updated on the latest trends, expand their markets, and, most importantly, promote sustainable tourism development – an essential trend and long-term strategic goal of Vietnam’s tourism industry.

Representative of Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism Committed to Developing Sustainable Tourism from the Heart of the City

At the press conference, Mr. Le Truong Hien Hoa – Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism – delivered a keynote speech outlining the city’s tourism vision for the new development phase.

“ITE HCMC is not just an international travel expo, but also a hub for cultural exchange, technological advancement, and sustainable development. The theme ‘Sustainable Tourism – Vibrant Experiences’ clearly reflects Ho Chi Minh City’s commitment to building a healthy, responsible tourism environment that attracts visitors through the authentic cultural and natural identity of Vietnam.”

Representative of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism delivering a speech at the press conference

He also emphasized the strategic role of Hanoi – the nation’s major political and cultural center – in spreading this message and encouraging tourism businesses from the North to actively participate in the event.

ITE HCMC 2025’s Trend-Setting Theme: “Sustainable Tourism – Vibrant Experiences”

ITE HCMC 2025 has chosen the theme “Sustainable Tourism – Vibrant Experiences,” reflecting the long-term vision of Ho Chi Minh City in particular, and Vietnam as a whole, in developing green, innovative, and high-value tourism products. All activities within the event framework are aimed at promoting local economic growth while simultaneously protecting the environment, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering social equity.

At the event, businesses will be encouraged to showcase distinctive and unique products and experiences that leave a strong impression on international buyers. Additionally, dedicated destination familiarization programs in Ho Chi Minh City for the press and international buyers will provide valuable opportunities to promote Vietnam’s tourism image to the global market.

Guests and press attending the press conference

Highlights of ITE HCMC 2025

ITE HCMC 2025 is scheduled to take place from September 4th to 6th, 2025, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City. The event promises several key highlights:

– The event is expected to attract over 520 exhibitors and 50 localities from across Vietnam, along with 240 high-level buyers from more than 30 countries and territories (an increase of 10% compared to 2024).

– Visitor numbers are projected to increase by 12% as compared to 2024, reaching approximately 28,000 visitors, contributing to the organization of 12,600 direct business appointments (B2B meetings) and exchanges between international and Vietnamese tourism enterprises.

– There will be 16 major activities, including trade connections, forums, conferences, and seminars. In addition to domestic media agencies, coverage will be provided by 60 international media agencies, travel bloggers, and tourism KOLs (an increase of 30% compared to 2024).

Notably, from September 3rd to 6th, Ho Chi Minh City will also host the 12th General Assembly of the Tourism Promotion Organization for Global Cities (TPO) in 2025, under the theme “Shaping the Future of Tourism: Towards Digital and Green Transformation.”

Message and Expectations of ITE HCMC 2025 – A Bridge for Strong Tourism Development in Vietnam

Through the press conference in Hanoi, the organizing committee delivered a strong message of innovation and commitment to the sustainable development of Vietnam’s tourism industry—from policy to practical action. The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism aims not only to promote the city’s image but also to serve as a regional connector for the Mekong area and the international tourism community.

A commemorative photo of Leaders and guests at the press conference

The event also clearly expressed the following expectations:

• To promote the recovery and growth of Vietnam’s tourism industry after recent challenges
• To create meaningful tourism trade promotion opportunities, improving the quality of both international and domestic visitors
• To build a responsible tourism ecosystem focused on long-term, sustainable values

ITE HCMC 2025 – A Launchpad for Sustainable Tourism in Vietnam

The ITE HCMC 2025 press conference in Hanoi reaffirmed its vital role in market connectivity, advancing sustainable tourism, and delivering vibrant experiences for global travelers. With expanded scale, thousands of B2B meetings, and the participation of international strategic partners, the 19th International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City at SECC is not only an effective platform for businesses but also a major driving force for Vietnam’s tourism recovery and growth.

ITE HCMC 2025 – More than just a travel expo, it is a journey to shape the future of sustainable tourism and vibrant travel experiences in Vietnam.

Let’s count down to September 2025 to witness one of the region’s most prominent tourism events!