The International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City (ITE HCMC) is set to mark two decades of connecting global travel professionals, with its 20th edition scheduled for 27-29 August at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC). Under the theme “Vibrant Connections – Global Destinations,” the event underscores Vietnam’s transformation from an emerging Southeast Asian market into a key continental gateway.
Largest edition yet
This year’s expo expands to 9,000 square metres, the biggest footprint in its history. More than 520 exhibitors and brands will be joined by representatives from 34 Vietnamese provinces and over 40 countries. The trade show expects 260 high-level buyers from Northeast Asia, Western Europe, North America, and Australia, facilitating an estimated 21,000 pre-scheduled B2B meetings—an eightfold increase since the inaugural event in 2005. Organisers anticipate over 30,000 trade and public visitors across the three days.
ITE HCMC has long been a vital platform for Vietnam’s tourism industry, and this milestone edition arrives as the country ramps up international arrivals and diversifies its offerings. The expo’s growth mirrors the broader trajectory of Vietnamese tourism, which has seen steady recovery and expansion post-pandemic.
Four strategic pillars
Addressing a rapidly evolving global market, ITE HCMC 2025 focuses on four key areas:
- Greener ecosystems – Blending artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and travel technology with heritage preservation to promote sustainable travel models.
- HCMC’s MICE boom – Highlighting Ho Chi Minh City’s expanding infrastructure and capacity to host large-scale corporate conferences and events.
- Medical tourism – Promoting Vietnam’s competitive edge in wellness and medical travel offerings.
- Regional unity within the Mekong Region – Strengthening cross-border links, supported by initiatives such as Cambodia’s “Two Destinations, One Journey” subregional packages.
These pillars reflect the shifting priorities of travel professionals, who are increasingly seeking destinations that offer sustainability, business-ready facilities, and integrated regional itineraries. For MICE planners, Ho Chi Minh City’s growing portfolio of venues and hotels makes it an attractive alternative to traditional hubs like Bangkok or Singapore.
Hybrid format and public access
Breaking away from conventional trade-only formats, ITE HCMC 2025 introduces a hybrid structure featuring 2D virtual booths, 3D showcases, and digital matching tools for international partners participating remotely. For the first time, the general public gains access across all three days, unlocking exclusive consumer travel discounts, interactive culinary workshops, and cultural displays.
The festivities extend beyond the convention hall with city-wide activations, including the official Vietnam Night gala, staged on 6 August, and cultural showcases along Nguyen Hue Walking Street. These events aim to engage both delegates and local residents, reinforcing the expo’s role as a celebration of Vietnamese tourism.
ITE HCMC’s evolution comes at a time when Vietnam is positioning itself as a premier destination for both leisure and business travel. The country’s tourism board has been actively promoting new routes and partnerships, such as the recent co-branded Mastercards in China that facilitate travel spending. Meanwhile, hotel groups are expanding their presence, with brands like Hyatt Centric Sapporo opening bookings for future travelers, though the focus remains on Southeast Asia.
For travel agents and tour operators, ITE HCMC offers a concentrated opportunity to network with Vietnamese suppliers and international buyers. The expo’s B2B meeting platform has proven effective in generating leads, and the increased scale this year suggests strong industry confidence in the region’s recovery.
As Vietnam continues to ramp up its tourism infrastructure, events like ITE HCMC serve as critical touchpoints for stakeholders to align strategies and forge partnerships. The 20th edition promises to be a landmark gathering, reflecting both the country’s achievements and its ambitions for the next decade.
