After four dynamic days (September 3–6, 2025), the 19th Ho Chi Minh City International Travel Expo (ITE HCMC 2025) and the 12th General Assembly of the Tourism Promotion Organization for Asia-Pacific Cities (TPO 2025) concluded successfully, reaffirming their prestige as leading international tourism events in Vietnam and the Mekong region. Under the theme “Sustainable Travel, Vibrant Experiences,” the expo attracted strong attention from central and city leaders, global partners, and the international press.
Impressive Participation and Figures
ITE HCMC 2025 gathered more than 550 high-level international guests from 41 countries and territories, including 41 delegations from ministries of tourism, mayors, and diplomatic agencies. The event welcomed 256 international buyers from 32 markets such as the UK, US, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and India, alongside 30 of the world’s leading travel corporations, including Intrepid, Flight Centre, Luxury Escapes, Exodus, Miki Travel, JTB Corp, HIS Japan, Trip.com, and Thomas Cook.
Over 500 exhibitors across 402 booths represented Vietnam and destinations worldwide, from ASEAN to Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. All 34 Vietnamese provinces and cities took part, with 28 showcasing new tourism products. Exhibition sectors spanned accommodation, travel agencies, attractions, transport, tourism technology, and government agencies.
Business outcomes were remarkable: 20,050 appointments between international buyers and exhibitors, with nearly half resulting in deals, thanks in part to the support of 60 Vietnamese trade offices abroad. The event drew 46,100 visitors, including 35,550 trade participants and 10,555 members of the public.
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Media coverage was extensive, with more than 3,900 news items published, including 650 articles in prestigious trade magazines and online platforms. Social media activities generated over 3.1 million views and hundreds of thousands of interactions.
Ho Chi Minh City’s Tourism Achievements
A highlight was Ho Chi Minh City receiving the TPO Best Awards 2025 for Tourism Marketing with its “Find Your Vibes” campaign, underscoring its creativity and positioning as a modern, culturally rich metropolis.
ITE HCMC has been held annually since 2005. This year, for the first time, the expo was organized alongside three major events: the 12th TPO General Assembly, the Vietnam International Sourcing Expo 2025, and the Ho Chi Minh City Export Forum 2025. This convergence created an international week of tourism, trade, and logistics, boosting MICE tourism and strengthening Vietnam’s role as a global hub.
Ho Chi Minh City became the first Vietnamese city to host the TPO General Assembly, a milestone coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Vietnam’s reunification and the 80th National Day. The gathering of representatives from member cities and global tourism organizations reaffirmed the city’s leadership in regional tourism and its role in fostering economic, trade, tourism, and innovation development.
Outstanding Programs
The opening night, themed “The Flow of Quintessence,” welcomed 1,000 guests with a showcase of Ho Chi Minh City’s dynamism. The following morning, the joint opening of ITE HCMC, the Export Forum, and the International Sourcing Expo marked a new model of integrated cooperation between tourism, trade, and industry.
Nine forums and workshops took place, featuring 42 speakers and over 2,500 delegates. The High-level Tourism Forum on “Shaping the Future of Tourism: Towards Digital and Green Transformation” drew over 300 leaders and experts, addressing sustainable development, competitiveness, and innovation. Other sessions explored topics such as UNESCO geoparks, clean energy, destination branding, digital transformation, and national travel cooperation.
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International Connections
City leaders held bilateral meetings with delegations from China, South Korea, Uzbekistan, and Cambodia, among others. Famtrip and presstrip programs highlighted Ho Chi Minh City’s heritage and modern attractions, leaving lasting impressions on international buyers and media. Spanish delegate Maria Lopez praised the city’s cultural sites as highly attractive products for global travelers.
Public days (September 4–6) offered tour promotions, performances, workshops, and cultural experiences. Booths from Vietnam Airlines, Saigontourist, and provincial tourism offices were bustling with visitors booking tours and enjoying interactive activities.
Recognition and Awards
Twelve exhibitors received Best Booth Design Awards, including Hanoi, Dong Thap, Quang Ngai, Saigontourist, Vietnam Airlines, Azerbaijan Tourism Board, Korea Tourism Organization, and Tourism Authority of Thailand. The cluster booth of Da Nang–Hue–Quang Tri was honored as Most Attractive Booth.
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A Resounding Success
The 19th ITE HCMC once again affirmed its role as a leading tourism event in Asia-Pacific, strengthening Vietnam’s global tourism brand and opening new pathways for cooperation. More than a trade fair, the expo acted as a strategic forum where businesses, policymakers, and experts shaped the future of sustainable tourism. Its growing scale and impact highlighted Ho Chi Minh City’s ambition to be a central meeting point for international travel, trade, and cultural exchange, advancing Vietnam’s tourism into a new era.