PRESS RELEASE
The Gala “Vietnamese Night”:
A remarkable welcome from Ho Chi Minh City
“Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City” is Ho Chi Minh City’s warm welcome to nearly 700 delegates from 33 countries and territories attending the 18th International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City 2024 (ITE HCMC 2024). As a modern and dynamic metropolis, the city is a melting pot where traditional and international cultures intersect.
To launch the series of exciting activities at ITE HCMC 2024, the Gala “Vietnamese Night,” themed “Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City,” took place on the evening of September 4, 2023, at Gem Center (8 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Da Kao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City). .
Attending and presiding over the “Vietnamese Night” Gala were Mr. Ho An Phong – Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, and Mr. Phan Van Mai, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee. The event also welcomed former Party and State leaders, including Mrs. Truong My Hoa, former Secretary of the Party Central Committee and former Vice President of Vietnam, and Mrs. Đang Thi Ngoc Thinh, former Member of the Party Central Committee and former Vice President of Vietnam. In addition, representatives from the Central Economic Commission, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, leaders from tourism ministries of various countries, as well as local and international provincial and city leaders, were in attendance.
The event also had the privilege of hosting nearly 700 domestic and international delegates attending ITE HCMC 2024.
Ho Chi Minh City – a dynamic metropolis that continually innovates and is committed to sustainable development.
ITE HCMC 2024, themed “Sustainable Travel – Creating Future,” aims to foster active participation from all sectors to advance sustainable tourism and create a brighter future. In this regard, the “Vietnamese Night” Gala provides a distinguished introduction to Ho Chi Minh City, underscoring its commitment to the United Nations’ sustainable development goals.
In his opening address, Mr. Phan Van Mai, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, underscored the historical development of Saigon – Cholon – Gia Dinh, now Ho Chi Minh City. He highlighted how early pioneers, through determination and bravery, overcame natural challenges and explored new frontiers, transforming the city into one of Vietnam’s leading economic, cultural, educational, and commercial hubs. Today, Ho Chi Minh City, with its rich heritage and vibrant coastal character, continues to offer visitors a diverse range of exceptional experiences.
Throughout history, Saigon – Cholon – Gia Dinh, now Ho Chi Minh City, has been recognized as a vibrant and dynamic metropolis. Ho Chi Minh City is distinguished by its fusion of diverse cultural and social elements, where tradition meets modernity and historical heritage harmoniously coexists with contemporary urban development. It is a crossroads of national and international cultures, creating a dynamic and innovative environment for both living and working. The city exemplifies how an urban center can preserve traditional cultural values while actively embracing innovation and progress.
“For over 326 years, Saigon – Cholon – Gia Dinh, now Ho Chi Minh City, has been a symbol of peace and progressive outlook, fostering collaborations and friendships with nations worldwide. This tradition of openness and hospitality is evident in the city’s warm reception of visitors, treating them as family. Ho Chi Minh City is dedicated to building a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future, while safeguarding the natural environment and upholding universal cultural and humanitarian values. This commitment underpins the city’s active role in the global network of Creative Cities, advancing both environmental and social development,” stated Mr. Phan Van Mai, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee.
In this context, the Gala “Vietnamese Night,” themed “Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City,” will eloquently capture the city’s dynamic spirit, guiding the audience through its picturesque landscapes, diverse population, and rich cultural heritage.
The program commences with the song “Việt Nam trong tôi là”, which proudly highlights Vietnam’s beauty, safety, and cultural richness, while also celebrating the vibrant, modern, and hospitable character of Ho Chi Minh City. Featuring traditional folk music, including regional melodies and chants that are fundamental to Vietnamese cultural identity, the Gala will present engaging performances that vividly convey Vietnam’s charm and essence to both domestic and international audiences.
Following the opening, the audience will be treated to four meticulously choreographed performances that embody national pride. These include: “The Beauty of Ho Chi Minh City’s Scenery,” “The Beauty of Ho Chi Minh City’s People,” “The Beauty of Ho Chi Minh City’s Culture,” and “The Flow of Harmony: The Vibrant Beauty of Ho Chi Minh City.” Choreographed by Duong Nam Long and featuring the Moc Dance Troupe and the Tuso Orchestra, these performances vividly depict the city’s lush landscapes, bountiful harvests, the warmth of its people, and the iconic “áo dài”. Together, they offer a comprehensive and striking representation of Ho Chi Minh City’s unique charm and cultural heritage.
Throughout 17 editions, ITE HCMC has continuously refined and enhanced organizational standards, with the goal of positioning itself as the premier travel expo in the Asia-Pacific region.
ITE HCMC 2024, themed “Sustainable Travel – Creating Future,” articulates the strategic vision for Vietnam’s tourism sector and Ho Chi Minh City, emphasizing sustainable development. This vision asserts that tourism should not only deliver economic benefits but also align with cultural, social, and environmental values, pursuing green and net-zero objectives. The theme’s focus on “Creating Future” signifies a strategic commitment to innovation and creativity in tourism practices, ensuring the preservation and enhancement of cultural, historical, and natural assets while advancing sustainability.
ITE HCMC 2024 will officially open on the morning of September 5, 2024, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), District 7, Ho Chi Minh City.
The event is organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, and the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee. It is managed by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism and the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, with collaborative support from the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Promotion Center, CIS Vietnam, and Le Bros.
ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL EXPO HO CHI MINH CITY 2024
