Vietnam's International Travel Expo 2026 Sees Over 26,000 Business Meetings

The 20th International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City (ITE HCMC 2026) has marked a significant milestone by facilitating over 26,000 business-to-business (B2B) meetings aimed at expanding Vietnam's tourism sector internationally. The event, which opened on August 27, 2026, is seen as a vital platform for connecting local and international tourism stakeholders.

According to the organizing committee, ITE HCMC 2026 has attracted participation from more than 520 exhibitors and brands, alongside 260 high-profile international buyers from over 40 countries. This year’s expo emphasizes the theme "Vibrant Connections - Global Destinations," reflecting Vietnam's ambition to enhance its global tourism appeal.

Nguyen Loc Ha, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, highlighted the necessity for destinations to continually improve service quality and diversify offerings to meet changing tourist demands. He mentioned that collaboration with localities, businesses, airlines, and international partners is crucial for expanding the market and enhancing the quality of visitors to Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam.

ITE HCMC 2026 also features a High-Level Tourism Forum focusing on MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism, which is increasingly recognized as a key area for growth. The forum aims to discuss sustainability, innovation, and global connectivity within the tourism sector.

“Collaboration with localities, businesses, airlines, and international partners is crucial for expanding the market.”Nguyen Loc Ha, Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee

In addition to the B2B meetings, the expo includes various discussions on branding Vietnam as a destination, showcasing the shift from promotion to destination management. The event serves as a comprehensive space for trade connections, policy dialogue, and innovative promotion strategies, reflecting the dynamic changes in the tourism industry.

This year's expo is particularly notable for its scale, being the largest ITE HCMC to date, and is expected to further solidify Vietnam's position in the international tourism market. The Hosted Buyers Programme, a unique initiative in Vietnam, aims to connect capable international buyers with local tourism products, thus enhancing Vietnam's competitive edge in the global tourism landscape.

As Vietnam continues to recover from the impacts of the pandemic, events like ITE HCMC 2026 play a crucial role in revitalizing the tourism sector and fostering international partnerships. The expo not only showcases Vietnam's diverse tourism offerings but also reinforces its commitment to sustainable and innovative tourism development.