Introduction: A Gateway to Vietnam’s Tourism Future
The 19th International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City (ITE HCMC 2025) will once again shine as Vietnam’s largest and most prestigious annual travel trade event. Scheduled for September 4–6, 2025, the expo will take place at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), a world-class venue located in the heart of dynamic Ho Chi Minh City.
Over nearly two decades, ITE HCMC has become a hallmark of Vietnam’s tourism industry, attracting global attention and providing a stage where local and international businesses meet, exchange ideas, and foster lasting partnerships. With the theme “Sustainable Tourism – Vibrant Experiences,” this year’s edition is expected to raise the bar even higher, focusing not only on growth but also on responsible development.
In this article, we will explore everything about ITE HCMC 2025—from its history and impact to its highlights, opportunities, and future vision—offering a complete guide for professionals planning to attend.
The Legacy of ITE HCMC: 18 Successful Editions
From Modest Beginnings to International Recognition
Launched in 2005, ITE HCMC started as a small-scale fair aimed at promoting Vietnam’s tourism potential. Over the years, it has evolved into an internationally recognized platform that attracts thousands of visitors, hundreds of exhibitors, and major industry players.
With each edition, the event has expanded its scope:
2005–2010: Focused on promoting Vietnam’s destinations and connecting with neighboring markets such as Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand.
2011–2015: The expo gained traction, bringing in larger numbers of international buyers and establishing B2B matchmaking sessions.
2016–2020: Despite global challenges, the expo continued to grow, highlighting digital transformation and tourism innovation.
2021–2024: After the pandemic, ITE HCMC became a symbol of recovery for Vietnam’s tourism, integrating sustainability and global partnerships into its agenda.
By 2024, ITE HCMC was crowned Asia’s Best Trade Show at the World MICE Awards, cementing its position as a leading tourism trade event in the region.
ITE HCMC 2025: What to Expect
A Massive International Gathering
ITE HCMC 2025 will host:
520+ exhibitors from Vietnam and abroad
240 high-quality buyers representing more than 30 countries and territories
Over 28,000 trade visitors and travel professionals
This makes it the largest travel trade show in Vietnam, a rare opportunity for local businesses to showcase their services to global markets while enabling international players to explore Vietnam’s tourism potential.
Sustainable Tourism – Vibrant Experiences
The central theme of ITE HCMC 2025 is “Sustainable Tourism – Vibrant Experiences.” This reflects Vietnam’s growing commitment to environmentally friendly and socially responsible travel development.
Key elements include:
Eco-friendly tourism products that reduce environmental footprints
Community-based tourism initiatives that empower local populations
Green technologies and innovations for the hospitality sector
Experiential travel trends focusing on authenticity, culture, and wellness
The theme positions Vietnam not only as a country rich in natural beauty and culture but also as a responsible global tourism player.
Major Highlights of ITE HCMC 2025
1. B2B Matchmaking
One of the most valuable aspects of ITE HCMC is its business-to-business (B2B) meetings. In 2025, the event expects to host over 12,600 scheduled B2B sessions, connecting buyers and sellers in the tourism supply chain. These meetings allow travel agencies, hotels, airlines, and service providers to build strategic partnerships and explore new markets.
2. Forums, Conferences, and Workshops
The expo will feature at least 16 key activities, including:
Tourism forums discussing industry trends and future directions
Workshops on digital marketing, sustainable tourism practices, and destination branding
Conferences led by international experts and government representatives
These sessions provide participants with insights into the latest market demands and opportunities, while offering practical strategies for success.
3. International Media and Influencer Coverage
ITE HCMC 2025 will be covered by 60+ international media outlets, travel bloggers, and KOLs (key opinion leaders). This ensures that exhibitors gain not only direct business opportunities but also global visibility, boosting brand awareness across multiple channels.
4. Cultural Performances and Destination Showcases
Beyond business, ITE HCMC also highlights Vietnam’s vibrant culture and traditions through performances, culinary experiences, and themed exhibitions. Attendees can expect immersive experiences that reflect the country’s heritage while showcasing its modern dynamism.
Benefits of Attending ITE HCMC 2025
For Local Businesses
Vietnamese travel agencies, hotels, airlines, and service providers gain a rare chance to meet international buyers directly. This helps them expand their reach, increase bookings, and strengthen their global competitiveness.
For International Buyers
Buyers gain direct access to Vietnam’s diverse tourism products, from luxury cruises in Halong Bay to eco-adventures in Ninh Binh and cultural tours in the Mekong Delta. They can explore new packages, negotiate deals, and build partnerships with reliable local providers.
For Government and Associations
ITE HCMC serves as a policy dialogue platform, where government officials, associations, and business leaders discuss strategies for developing sustainable tourism. It is also a space for building bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
The Role of ITE HCMC in Vietnam’s Tourism Development
ITE HCMC plays a crucial role in positioning Vietnam as one of Asia’s leading tourism destinations. Its contributions include:
Enhancing Vietnam’s image as a safe, diverse, and attractive destination
Strengthening international cooperation with strategic markets like Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific
Encouraging sustainable practices across the tourism industry
Supporting economic growth by attracting foreign investment and boosting domestic businesses
By fostering connections between global buyers and Vietnamese suppliers, the event helps drive inbound tourism growth and positions Vietnam as a central hub in Asia’s travel map.
Sustainable Tourism in Action
Vietnam is increasingly focusing on sustainable development to balance growth with environmental conservation. At ITE HCMC 2025, participants will see examples such as:
Community homestays that provide authentic cultural immersion while benefiting local families
Eco-friendly resorts and hotels using renewable energy and waste reduction systems
Nature-based tours highlighting national parks, protected marine areas, and biodiversity hotspots
Responsible tour operators integrating sustainability into their packages
This emphasis ensures that the future of Vietnam’s tourism industry is not only profitable but also ethical and sustainable.
Economic and Social Impact of ITE HCMC
The expo has a profound impact on Vietnam’s economy:
Boosting international arrivals: Many foreign travel agencies sign agreements that directly increase inbound visitors
Job creation: Events of this scale generate thousands of jobs in hospitality, transport, and logistics
Knowledge transfer: International experts share strategies that help Vietnam’s businesses improve their standards
Community engagement: Local artisans, performers, and service providers benefit from exposure and opportunities
Socially, ITE HCMC fosters cultural exchange and enhances Vietnam’s reputation as a welcoming, dynamic, and innovative destination.
Future Outlook: Beyond 2025
As ITE HCMC moves toward its 20th anniversary in 2026, the expo is expected to:
Continue growing in scale and international reach
Deepen its focus on green tourism and digital transformation
Expand partnerships with global organizations such as UNWTO and PATA
Position Vietnam as a top MICE and leisure tourism hub in Asia
The future promises even greater opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and sustainable development.
Conclusion: Why ITE HCMC 2025 is Unmissable
ITE HCMC 2025 is not just another travel expo—it is a global stage where ideas meet opportunities, where sustainability meets innovation, and where Vietnam meets the world.
From B2B networking and professional insights to cultural showcases and media exposure, the event offers unparalleled value to exhibitors, buyers, and visitors alike.
By attending, participants will not only discover the beauty of Vietnam but also contribute to shaping the future of global tourism in a sustainable, vibrant, and collaborative way.
