Opening ceremony of the ITE HCMC 2025 (Photo: TITC)

The Ho Chi Minh City International Travel Expo is Vietnam’s leading and most prestigious annual international tourism trade event, organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MOCST) in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee and relevant partners. It aims to enhance cultural exchange, promote tourism, and expand business opportunities for both domestic and international enterprises. Over the past 18 successful editions, ITE HCMC has affirmed its status as a premier annual event that drives trade and tourism connectivity between Vietnam and the global market.

MOCST’s Minister Nguyen Van Hung speaking at the event (Photo: TITC)

In his opening remarks, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung emphasized that the 19th edition of ITE HCMC has been elevated in scale and enriched with creativity. Today, ITE HCMC has become a flagship trade fair at both the national and regional levels, generating extensive impact.

To ensure the success of this year’s event, Ho Chi Minh City has proactively coordinated with ministries and agencies, including the MOCST. As a result, the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Health are also participating, providing greater visibility for Vietnamese products and fostering stronger links between the business community and the tourism sector.

This year’s expo is expected to attract over 240 high-level international buyers from more than 30 countries and territories, more than 520 exhibitors and brands, and the participation of 33 provinces and cities nationwide. The impressive scale is further highlighted by the anticipated 28,000 trade visitors and approximately 12,600 B2B appointments, creating a dynamic and productive business environment. A special highlight of ITE HCMC 2025 will be the High-Level Forum of the Pacific Asia Tourism Promotion Organization, focusing on green transition and digital transformation in tourism.

Tourism is not only a result of the global economy but also a bridge that enhances diplomatic exchange and people-to-people connectivity among nations. It offers opportunities for cultural exploration and appreciation of diverse traditions.

As the driving force of national development, Ho Chi Minh City serves as a vital hub for tourism growth. This year’s theme, “Sustainable Tourism - Inspiring Experiences,” is expected to meet the aspirations of international friends and travelers alike.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Phan Thi Thang speaking at the event (Photo: TITC)

According to Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Phan Thi Thang, Vietnam’s total import-export turnover reached over USD 786 billion in 2024, with exports accounting for USD 405 billion, a 14.3% increase. Thirty-seven product categories exceeded the USD 1 billion, with eight surpassing USD 10 billion. With Vietnam’s import-export turnover reaching nearly USD 515 billion in the first seven months of 2025, up 16.3% year-on-year, the target of 12% export-import growth for 2025 is deemed achievable. International tourism contributed around 8% to Vietnam’s GDP in 2024, with nearly 18 million international arrivals - the figure projected to rise to 25 million in 2025.

ITE HCMC 2025 is not only a platform to showcase Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage, traditions, and diverse tourism products, but also a strategic bridge positioning tourism as a driving force for trade and investment. Millions of international visitors not only bring home unforgettable experiences of Vietnam’s people and landscapes but also serve as “trade ambassadors,” helping expand markets for Vietnamese goods.

Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Nguyen Van Dung speaking at the event (Photo: TITC)

Speaking at the event, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Nguyen Van Dung stated that ITE HCMC is a milestone in the city’s journey of development and international integration. The opening of the 19th Ho Chi Minh City International Travel Expo (ITE HCMC 2025), Export Forum 2025, and “Vietnam International Sourcing 2025” are international-scale events, serving as living proof of the city’s innovative, creative, and proactive spirit of integration.

Ho Chi Minh City is striving to affirm its role as the country’s leading economic, financial, trade, and tourism hub. Following its merger with Ba Ria-Vung Tau and Binh Duong, the city has evolved into a mega-metropolis, the nation’s largest center of finance, logistics, trade, services, and tourism, accounting for 25% of Vietnam’s total tourism revenue. For the first time, three major flows, tourism, trade, and international integration have been synergized into a large-scale, comprehensive event, reflecting close inter-agency coordination between the MCST, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee.

The Export Forum and International Sourcing event play a pivotal role in strengthening trade connectivity, linking over 400 Vietnamese enterprises with 300 international buyers from 60 countries, and creating opportunities for more than 12,000 products ranging from agricultural goods to supporting industrial products to enter global value chains.

Art performances at the event (Photo: TITC)

Within the framework of ITE HCMC 2025, a diverse range of forums, conferences, and workshops will also take place, including: the High-Level Tourism Forum - Session II of the 12th General Assembly of the Tourism Promotion Organization for Asia-Pacific Cities (TPO) 2025; the Travel Conference 2025; and a series of thematic workshops on sustainable tourism, green transition, digital transformation in tourism, emerging tourism product trends, destination branding, and innovation in tourism promotion. Vietnam’s most prominent destinations will also be showcased.

The programme will be complemented by press conferences, B2B networking meetings between buyers and sellers, destination surveys, Ho Chi Minh City tourism showcases, attractive tourism stimulus programs for visitors, and a variety of vibrant side events.

The 19th Ho Chi Minh City International Travel Expo (ITE HCMC 2025) will be held from 4-6 September at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC).

Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung and delegates visiting the exhibition booths at ITE HCMC 2025 (Photo: TITC)

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