ITE HCMC 2026:
A 20-YEAR JOURNEY OF BUILDING VIETNAM’S GLOBAL TOURISM POSITION

The 20th International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City (ITE HCMC 2026) is not merely a trade show event, but a symbol of the resilience, innovation, and aspiration of Vietnam’s tourism industry to reach new heights. With the theme “VIBRANT CONNECTIONS – GLOBAL DESTINATIONS,” ITE HCMC 2026 promises to set new standards for an era of smart, green, and sustainable tourism.

A 20-year milestone: From a local expo to continental stature

Born in the early years of the 21st century, ITE HCMC has gone through two decades of ups and downs alongside the tourism industry. From its modest beginnings, the expo has now proudly earned the title “Asia’s Best Trade Show” at the World MICE Awards for two consecutive years, 2024 and 2025.

The 2026 edition marks the 20th anniversary milestone – a transformational journey for Vietnam’s tourism industry in general and for Ho Chi Minh City in particular. ITE HCMC 2026 is directed by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, and implemented by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, affirming the close attention of leadership at all levels in turning Ho Chi Minh City into the country’s largest gateway for international visitors.

The meaning of the theme: “Vibrant Connections – Global Destinations.”

The theme of 2026 carries profound implications for a future that is sustainable, vibrant, and globalized:

• Vibrant Connections: This is an affirmation of a tourism ecosystem without distance. In the context of Industry 4.0, connection is no longer limited to direct handshakes but also involves the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, and virtual reality. ITE HCMC 2026 also creates a flexible bridge of interaction among management agencies, travel businesses, airlines, and service providers.
• Global Destinations: This reflects the commitment to positioning Ho Chi Minh City and its linked localities as world-class destinations. The expo serves as a funnel for high-quality international visitors, helping to position Vietnam’s tourism brand as a destination that is safe, friendly, and rich in heritage.

Scale and the numbers that speak for themselves

ITE HCMC 2026 proudly remains the only tourism event in Vietnam to offer a Hosted Buyers Program. This is the “signature feature” that enables domestic businesses to directly access spending decisions from overseas markets.

• More than 520 exhibitors: Including international tourism boards, 5-star hotel groups, airlines, and leading travel companies.
• 260 senior international Hosted Buyers: From more than 32 countries and territories (up 10% compared to 2025). These are carefully selected partners capable of bringing millions of visitors to Vietnam.
• 30,000 visitors: Expected to increase by 15% compared to the previous year, creating a vibrant atmosphere for on-site business transactions.
• 20,050 B2B business appointments: A huge figure demonstrating the effectiveness of real connections, where multi-million-dollar deals are signed right at the negotiation table.

Market restructuring strategy: Adapting to rise further

In the context of global geopolitical volatility, especially conflict in the Middle East and the energy crisis affecting the aviation industry, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism has introduced a strategy of “diversification to reduce risk.”

• Strengthening traditional markets

At present, the city’s international visitor market structure is highly diverse:

• Northeast Asia (44%): Including China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. This is a huge, stable source market with a strong tendency to return.
• North America (14%): Especially the United States, a market with high spending power and a strong interest in culture and history.
• Unlocking new potential markets

ITE HCMC 2026 focuses on intensifying promotion in:

• Western Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom): A group of travelers who prefer experiential tourism, green tourism, and long stays.
• Australia & India: Two “new stars” of the tourism industry. India, with its large population and rapidly rising demand for wedding tourism and MICE, is growing at an exceptional pace. Australia is a safe market with a high-quality visitor base.
• Russia and Central Asia: Regions with high winter-escape demand, creating an opportunity for Ho Chi Minh City to become an ideal transit and leisure destination.

Breakthrough tourism trends at ITE HCMC 2026

The city’s tourism industry is no longer selling only “sightseeing”; it is selling “experiences” through key product segments:

• MICE Tourism & Medical Tourism: These are two segments that are less affected by price fluctuations. With premium 5-star hotel infrastructure and highly qualified medical professionals, Ho Chi Minh City is emerging as a leading medical and conference hub in the region.
• Waterway Tourism & Metro Tourism: Leveraging the metro system, which has been put into synchronized operation for the first time, along with its river-based strengths, ITE HCMC 2026 will introduce “zero-carbon-footprint” inner-city tours using green transport to explore Saigon.
• Sustainable Tourism (Green Tourism): Promoting circular business models, reducing plastic waste in hotels, and enhancing village craft and rural experiences.

A highlight series of activities not to be missed

ITE HCMC 2026 has been carefully designed with highly specialized events:

• High-Level Tourism Forum: A venue where policymakers discuss green infrastructure and smart destinations.
• Ministerial Conference Series (CLMV, ACMECS, CLV): Affirming Vietnam’s leadership role in linking tourism across the Mekong subregion.
• Heritage Experience Journeys (Pre/Post Tour): Designed specifically for 60 international media agencies and global KOLs. They will serve as image ambassadors, spreading Vietnam’s beauty to billions of social media users.
• Travel Fun Fair Day: Designed for the public, featuring thousands of extremely attractive travel deals, helping stimulate both domestic and international consumption on the spot.

A strategic vision for the new era

According to the leadership representative of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, ITE HCMC 2026 carries a historic mission. It is not only a meeting place for buyers and sellers, but a platform for creating breakthrough solutions. The shift from “traditional tourism” to a “green and digital tourism ecosystem” is key to Vietnam competing with regional tourism powerhouses such as Thailand and Singapore.

The participation of TravelTech companies at the expo will help Vietnamese small and medium-sized enterprises gain access to modern management tools, thereby improving service quality and optimizing customer experiences.

Conclusion

With thorough preparation, expanded scale, and a clear strategic orientation, ITE HCMC 2026 promises to be a powerful catalyst that creates momentum for Vietnam’s tourism to break through in 2026 and the years ahead. This is truly a must-attend meeting point for all travel businesses, hotels, and investors seeking opportunities in Southeast Asia’s most dynamic market.

Get ready to join ITE HCMC 2026 to create vibrant connections and reach global heights!