The International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City (ITE HCMC 2024) opened at the city’s Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) on September 5 with the attendance of over 450 exhibitors and 200 international buyers from 33 countries and territories.
Representatives from departments, agencies and businesses at the opening ceremony of the ITE HCMC 2024. (Photo: VNA)
HCM City (VNA)🍷 – The International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City (ITE HCMC 2024) opened at the city’s Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) on September 5 with the attendance of over 450 exhibitors and 200 international buyers from 33 countries and territories.
During the three-day event themed “Sustainable Tourism, Creating Future”, more than 10,000 business appointments have been arranged based on the businesses’ needs. At the same time, the ITE HCMC 2024 application was also upgraded with many unique features using AI technology, and QR scanning, serving as a powerful assistant for buyers.
Within the framework of the expo, there will also be a high-level forum themed “Net Zero Travel & Tourism – Creating future” along with six seminars on sustainable tourism development, exhibition activities, trade connections, survey programs and other response activities.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the ITE HCMC 2024, Vice Chairman of the municipal People's Committee Nguyen Van Dung emphasised that the event is a commitment of Vietnam in general and Ho Chi Minh City in particular to effectively implement tourism development activities in line with UNESCO's 17 sustainable development criteria and towards reducing emissions, protecting the natural and cultural environment in each activity.
The expo is expected to be a practical solution, following Vietnam's new visa policy, to promoting the growth of the international tourist market, increasing the flow of tourists between countries and optimising tourism income through connecting trade between businesses, Dung said.
For Ho Chi Minh City, this is also an opportunity to update and learn about international experiences on motivational mechanisms and policies to develop the tourism industry when the city is accelerating the implementation of Resolution 98/2023/QH15, dated June 24, 2023 of the National Assembly on piloting specific mechanisms and policies for the city’s development.
Meanwhile, together with the ITE HCMC 2024, the city’s Department of Industry and Trade has held the “Gifts show Ho Chi Minh City 2024” with 100 booths at the SECC to create conditions for businesses to promote and introduce gifts and Vietnamese souvenirs to domestic and international tourists.
The department also launched the “Shopping Season 2024 City Sale” programme from August 30 to September 8 at three major shopping centres, offering a diverse range of products with discounts up to 80%./.
During the National Day holidays from August 31 to September 3, Vietnam’s tourism sector served about 3 million visitors, 20% higher than the figure in the same period last year, according to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT).
The Ho Chi Minh City International Travel Expo (ITE HCMC) was honored as Asia’s Best Trade Show by the Word MICE Awards on September 4, reflecting its growing influence in the region's travel and tourism industry.
The Department of Industry and Trade of Ho Chi Minh City on August 28 announced the launch of a programme to boost the sale of branded goods named “CITY SALE 2024”, which offers discounts of up to 80%.
The first and only direct service connecting the two countries at the moment is set to operate three times per week using the modern wide-body Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
Mu Cang Chai is home to nearly 83,000 hectares of forest, including almost 60,000 hectares of unspoiled natural woodland. Recognising this potential, local authorities have embraced a holistic strategy that protects biodiversity while promoting tourism.
Phu Quoc ranks among the top 10 leading tourist islands in Asia. As the largest island in Vietnam, it boasts stunning natural beauty, with expansive coral reefs resting beneath the sea and a number of beautiful, poetic beaches such as Sao, Truong, and Khem, known for their fine white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Vietnam's national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet are among the exhibitors, promoting key destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Phu Quoc, as well as distinctive tourism products.
Alexander Musikhin, Vice President of ATOR and CEO of the Intourist travel agency, highlighted Vietnam as a top destination offering a unique blend of beach holidays and cultural excursions.
According to Seoul’s Tourism Industry Department, approximately 20,000 Vietnamese visitors travel to the city each year for medical treatment. Vietnam consistently ranks among the top 10 countries with the highest number of medical tourists to Seoul.
An analysis of accommodation search data based on check-in dates for June and July revealed that Nha Trang surpassed all other destinations in popularity among Korean users.
The programme is organised by the Khanh Hoa provincial Youth Union and the “Khanh Hoa people speak English” Project, and aims to promote the culture, history, cuisine and other tourism products of Nha Trang – Khanh Hoa to international visitors.
VNAT Director General Nguyen Trung Khanh called visa a golden ticket to pulling in crowds, but he is clear that it needs coordinated efforts across multiple sectors to keep the momentum going in this fast-moving global travel scene.
As a tourism hub, Hanoi is now actively developing strategies to attract Muslim travellers. In recent years, the city has seen a notable uptick in visitors from countries with large Muslim populations.
When tourists witness firsthand the passion and care of farmers, they’re willing to pay higher prices because they see the genuine worth behind every product.
During the first five months, China continued to be Vietnam's largest source market of tourists, followed by the RoK, China’s Taiwan, the US, and Japan.
After more than three months of operation, the popularity of the free tours in Bac Ninh province shows no signs of cooling down. Many tourists return every week in hopes of experiencing all the tours and visiting every destination.
Typical products of Phu Tho are being showcased at the Lao Cai International Travel Mart 2025, held in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai from June 5-8.
Featuring 130 stalls and delegations from 120 travel agencies representing more than ten countries and territories, the event is expected to provide a platform for establishing partnerships and attracting more visitors to Lao Cai in the future.
Kicking off the festival on the evening of June 7 will be the grand music concert titled “Nha Trang Say Hi”, featuring popular artists from the trending show “Anh Trai Say Hi”. The event will be broadcast live nationwide and conclude with a fireworks display over Nha Trang Bay.
Data from Booking.com reveals that during the peak summer vacation in June and July, beach trips continue to be a top priority for Vietnamese travellers.
The northern midland province of Phu Tho has carried out all-round measures to improve tourism infrastructure, services, and offerings, elevating visitor experience and reinforcing the province’s unique cultural identity.
Hanoi has directed lodging providers and tourist destinations to bolster preparations in staffing, service quality, security, and sanitation. Community-based lodging platforms such as Airbnb are also being promoted strongly to expand housing supply during the holiday period.
