ITE HCMC 2025: Ho Chi Minh City’s Biggest International Tourism Event Returns Stronger

Ho Chi Minh City is preparing for the 19th International Travel Expo (ITE HCMC 2025), scheduled for September 4–6 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC). With the theme “Sustainable Tourism – Vibrant Experiences,” the event will bring together global travel leaders, industry buyers, and exhibitors to showcase opportunities and shape the future of Vietnam’s tourism.

A Regional Hub for Tourism Connections

Organized annually since 2005, ITE HCMC has become the leading international travel fair in Vietnam and the Mekong sub-region. This year’s edition will gather more than 520 exhibitors, including airlines, hotels, travel agencies, and destinations. Over 240 international buyers from more than 30 countries are expected, alongside thousands of tourism professionals and media representatives.

Beyond tourism alone, ITE HCMC 2025 will also strengthen ties with investment, commerce, and export industries, opening new opportunities for cross-sector partnerships. By aligning with events like the Vietnam International Sourcing Fair and the Ho Chi Minh City Export Forum, the expo demonstrates its role as a bridge between tourism and Vietnam’s wider economic growth.
 

What Makes 2025 Different

The upcoming edition stands out with several fresh highlights:

• Wider regional representation: For the first time, the expo will feature destinations from Ho Chi Minh City’s expanded metropolitan area, including Binh Duong and Ba Ria – Vung Tau. This reflects a growing vision of interconnected tourism between city and province.
• Focus on sustainability: Exhibitors and forums will spotlight eco-friendly travel products, green initiatives, and cultural experiences that align with global demands for responsible tourism.
• Bigger numbers: With more exhibitors, hosted buyers, and visitors than ever before, ITE HCMC 2025 is projected to host over 12,600 business appointments and welcome more than 46,000 attendees in total.

Business and Networking Opportunities

One of the expo’s biggest draws is its Business-to-Business (B2B) program, where thousands of meetings connect Vietnamese tourism providers with international buyers. The Hosted Buyer Program further enhances these links by supporting carefully selected international partners with travel and accommodation, ensuring productive negotiations.

ITE HCMC 2025 also serves as a platform for contracts, partnerships, and long-term cooperation, helping Vietnamese tourism businesses expand their global reach while giving foreign partners firsthand access to one of Asia’s fastest-growing travel markets.

Knowledge Sharing and Global Dialogue

Alongside exhibitions and trade appointments, the event will host a series of conferences and forums. Topics include:

• Digital transformation in tourism
• Sustainable tourism development and green destinations
• Global branding for Vietnamese destinations
• Policies and cooperation strategies

A key highlight is the 12th General Assembly of the Tourism Promotion Organization for Global Cities (TPO), bringing together city leaders from across Asia to discuss the future of urban tourism under the theme “Embracing Digital and Green Transformation.”

Cultural and Destination Showcases

ITE HCMC 2025 will feature more than 50 provinces and cities across Vietnam, presenting a diverse mix of cultural, culinary, wellness, and coastal tourism products. International exhibitors from Asia, Europe, and beyond will also join, creating a truly multicultural showcase.

Visitors can expect lively cultural performances, destination presentations, and post-expo familiarization trips (FAM tours) designed to give buyers and media deeper insights into Vietnam’s most attractive destinations.

Why It Matters for Vietnam

ITE HCMC has long been more than just an exhibition—it is a strategic event that boosts Vietnam’s tourism on several fronts:

• Global visibility: By drawing international partners and media, the expo strengthens Vietnam’s image as a vibrant and reliable destination for both leisure and business travel.
• Sustainable growth: With sustainability now at the core of global tourism, the expo ensures Vietnam keeps pace with international trends and visitor expectations.
• Local benefits: Smaller provinces and emerging destinations gain a platform to showcase unique experiences, helping spread tourism income more evenly.
• Innovation: Through discussions and exchanges, Vietnamese companies gain exposure to new digital tools, marketing approaches, and operational models.

Looking Ahead

With expectations of record attendance, stronger international presence, and a sharper focus on sustainability, ITE HCMC 2025 is poised to set a new standard for tourism fairs in Vietnam and the region.

For industry professionals, it is the place to connect, negotiate, and explore opportunities. For visitors, it is a chance to discover destinations, cultural highlights, and travel trends. And for Vietnam, it is another step toward confirming its role as a leading tourism hub in Asia.

As September approaches, Ho Chi Minh City is ready to welcome the world—inviting everyone to experience not just where to travel, but how to travel responsibly and meaningfully.