The event brought together distinguished delegates, including Mr. Nguyen Van Dung, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee; Ms. Nguyen Thi Anh Hoa, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism; Mr. Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism of Cambodia; Mr. Phyo Zaw Soe, Deputy Minister of Hotels and Tourism of Myanmar; and Ms. Kang Da Eun, TPO Secretary-General. Also present were representatives from TPO member cities, local authorities, and cultural organizations, all sharing the common vision of advancing cooperation through culture and tourism.

The gala served not only as a showcase of art but also as a symbolic bridge connecting cultures across the Asia-Pacific and beyond. Through the language of music, dance, and performance, cities celebrated their distinct cultural heritages while expressing shared aspirations for peace, friendship, and sustainable development. Traditional and contemporary art forms harmoniously intertwined, illustrating how culture evolves while preserving its roots.

A Platform for Cultural Diplomacy and Friendship

In her remarks, Ms. Kang Da Eun, TPO Secretary-General, highlighted the deeper meaning of the event “This exchange is not just a night of performances; it is a platform for TPO member cities to connect, to share their cultural values, and to collaborate for sustainable tourism development. Over the past two decades, TPO has become a crucial network linking cities through tourism, innovation, and cultural understanding.”

Ms. Kang reviewed TPO’s 20-year journey of promoting urban tourism cooperation. Since its founding, the organization has worked tirelessly to create opportunities for cities to share experiences, enhance tourism quality, and apply digital transformation to the tourism industry. She emphasized that culture is the heart of tourism, and events like this gala help cities rediscover their identities while finding new paths for creative development.

Ms. Kang Da Eun, TPO Secretary-General speaking at the gala (Photo: TITC)

Ho Chi Minh City - A Symbol of Cultural Dynamism

Representing the host city, Mr. Nguyen Van Dung, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, warmly welcomed delegates and expressed pride in hosting the 2025 TPO General Assembly. He noted that Ho Chi Minh City, with its dynamic economy and rich cultural heritage, is honored to be a meeting place for international friends and partners in tourism.

He emphasized: “This event is an opportunity for all of us to share experiences, discuss smart and green tourism models, and celebrate the cultural identity that connects our cities. Like the lotus, Vietnam’s national flower and a symbol of purity, adaptability, and resilience, Ho Chi Minh City is committed to being a safe, friendly, and innovative partner in promoting sustainable development.”

The gala featured performances that reflected the diversity and vitality of TPO member cities. Vietnamese artists presented elegant dances inspired by the lotus, while international performers brought colorful displays of traditional and modern art from across the Asia-Pacific region. The exchange of cultural expressions created a mesmerizing journey that transcended borders, languages, and generations.

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

Culture as the Heartbeat of Tourism

Beyond its artistic beauty, the Cultural and Artistic Exchange demonstrated the transformative power of culture in tourism development. As tourism evolves in the post-pandemic era, cultural exchange plays a key role in rebuilding trust, fostering understanding, and attracting travelers seeking authentic experiences.

Through this event, Ho Chi Minh City reaffirmed its vision to position itself as a cultural hub of Southeast Asia, where creativity meets tradition and global connectivity meets local identity. The city continues to promote initiatives that integrate art, heritage, and innovation, ensuring that cultural preservation goes hand in hand with tourism growth.

Towards a Sustainable and Prosperous Future

The gala concluded on a high note, leaving audiences inspired by the harmony of cultures and the unity of purpose among member cities. Delegates shared the belief that sustainable tourism cannot exist without respect for culture, environment, and people.

By hosting such an event, Ho Chi Minh City once again underscored its leadership role in regional tourism cooperation and cultural diplomacy. The city’s efforts align perfectly with TPO’s mission to create a network of smart, green, and resilient cities, capable of addressing the global challenges of the 21st century while celebrating the beauty of cultural diversity.

The Cultural and Artistic Exchange among TPO Member Cities 2025 was therefore more than an evening of performances, it was a powerful statement of unity and shared vision. From Vietnam’s graceful lotus to the vivid rhythms of Asia-Pacific nations, the event painted a picture of hope, creativity, and connection.

It marked another step forward in building a sustainable tourism future, where culture remains the bridge that brings the world closer together.

A number of photos from the Cultural and Artistic Exchange Gala 2025:

Photo: TITC

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