According to Nguyen Thi Hoa Mai, deputy director general of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, ITE HCMC 2026 will feature on site and online exhibition booths, a digital business to business buyer seller matching programme, Vietnam Night, the opening ceremony, and programmes for international buyers and media representatives.
The expo will also host forums and thematic seminars introducing key source markets and emerging tourism trends, alongside a tourism consumer festival aimed at the general public.
A series of side events, including a gastronomy, fashion and digital tourism week, will be organised to showcase the strengths and distinctive identity of HCM City and enhance the overall appeal of the expo.
The exhibition space will be expanded to enable more professional and modern product displays, business networking and tourism promotion. Participating units will be encouraged to apply digital exhibition models and information technology to create a modern experience for businesses and visitors, while highlighting the image of HCM City and its tourism sector.
Mai said the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism will assign focal points to coordinate closely with HCM City during implementation. Communication efforts before, during and after the expo will prioritise major press agencies and digital platforms, while additional international media outlets will be invited to strengthen global outreach.
On international engagement, she suggested that the municipal Department of Tourism focus on working with national tourism authorities in key and priority markets to improve the effectiveness of overseas participation.
Mai added that relevant agencies will continue to develop a theme that reflects long term development goals, highlights green and sustainable tourism trends, promotes HCM City’s strengths in meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions, and affirms its role as Vietnam’s leading hub for international events and trade fairs.
