To celebrate its 15th year of milestone, the International Travel Expo, Ho Chi Minh City (ITE HCMC) is introducing a bundle of new features and special highlights to make the annual event an even more spectacular one for the expected record-high attendance.
This year, to mark the 15th anniversary show, there will be more impactful networking opportunities such as customized business matching services, speed “dating” sessions, and pre-scheduled business meetings.
Started in 2005 with two international pavilions from Thailand and Cambodia, 43 buyers, and 86 booths mostly from local enterprises, today, it has grown to become the largest and most established travel event in Vietnam and the Mekong sub-region. This year, more than 350 exhibitors and 30,000 visitors are expected, with 250 international buyers from 40 countries, 50 outbound Vietnamese buyers, and a record number of 40 hosted media from 14 countries.
ITE HCMC will be held on 5-7 September at the Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center. The annual event features services and products both inbound and outbound markets, allowing leading brands in the tourism and hospitality sectors to showcase their latest products and services, the source for quality agents and distributors, and expand their business into Vietnam and the Mekong sub-region.
Confirmed exhibitors
The show is welcoming back exhibitors who have participated in the event for the last 15 years, such as Vietnam Airlines and Cambodia Ministry of Tourism.
Over 45 Vietnamese cities and provinces, such as Ba Ria — Vung Tau, Binh Thuan, Da Nang, Hanoi, Khanh Hoa, Kien Giang, Quang Nam, and Thua Thien — Hue, Can Tho, Hau Giang, Bac Lieu, Ca Mau, An Giang, Ben Tre, Vinh Long, Tiên Giang, Long An, Quang Binh, Ninh Binh, Ninh Thuan, Phú Thọ, Yên Bái, Lào Cai, Hà Giang, Lai Châu, Điện Biên, Sòn La và Hòa Binh, Daklac, Binh Dinh, Phu Yen, Kon Tum, Dong Nai Binh Duon and Dong Thap will be represented in the show.
Also exhibiting are national tourism organizations from countries such as China, Gangwon, India, Japan, Lao, Malaysia, Seoul, South Korea, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand.
New features to celebrate the 15th Edition
The exhibition space has been expanded to two halls, and operating hours will be extended from 9 am to 7 pm on all three days event.
It will be opened to public visitors. They can now enter to shop for the best travel packages from 4 pm onwards on Day 1 and Day 2, and the entire Day 3.
Exhibitors and buyers can also look forward to numerous informative seminars by industry experts, a spectacular Opening Ceremony, an exquisite Gala Dinner with the theme of Soulful Vietnam, and other exciting networking events.
Another special highlight not to be missed is the Corporate Travel Forum organized by Corporate Travel Community, which will be held on 4 September from 2 pm to 4 pm at the SECC.
The Tourism Start-Up Pavilion as a newly added feature will better security for travelers and transactions, better payment models for merchants and consumers, automation in hotels and resorts, as well as personalization of the travel and hospitality experience.
ITE HCMC Awards 2019
As a way of giving thanks to the exhibitors for their supports, ITE HCMC will give out tokens of appreciation and commendation in three categories: The ITE Partner Recognition Award (Diamond, Gold, Silver, and Bronze) will be given to tourism businesses that have contributed and supported the international buyers and media in the event; The ITE Exhibitor Award will be given to local and international government organizations that participated in the event; and, The Best Booth Design Award.
ITE HCMC is organized by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, VINEXAD Trade Fair & Advertising JSC, and Informa Markets. It is the only travel event endorsed by the Tourism Alliance of all five countries in the Mekong sub-region.
Endorsed by the Ministry of Culture, Sports & Tourism, Vietnam, ITE HMCS has the strong support from the Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia; the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Lao PDR; the Ministry of Hotels & Tourism, Myanmar; and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Thailand.