ITE HCMC 2026: Schedule, Visitor Guide And Where To Stay

ITE HCMC 2026, the Ho Chi Minh City International Travel Expo, is Vietnam's longest-running and most prestigious annual tourism trade fair, connecting local tour operators, international buyers, airlines and hotel groups. This guide covers the dates, venue, scale, registration process, a suggested visiting itinerary, and where to stay while attending.

When Is ITE HCMC 2026 And Where Is It Held

When is ITE HCMC 2026 is one of the most searched questions as the expo season approaches. According to the official plan, the main activities of the Ho Chi Minh City International Travel Expo 2026 will run from August 27 to 29, 2026, marking the 20th edition since the fair was first launched in 2005.

The full event is organized into three phases to give both trade visitors and the general public a smoother experience: pre-expo activities from August 19 to 26, the main fair days from August 27 to 29, and post-expo programs continuing through September 6.

The venue is the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center, commonly referred to as ITE HCMC SECC, located at 799 Nguyen Van Linh, Tan My Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. It's a large-scale exhibition venue with the infrastructure to host international trade events of this size. Beyond the main exhibition space at SECC, a number of side activities also take place at hotels, convention centers, tourist sites and along Nguyen Hue walking street, extending the expo experience across the city center. Learn more about the Exhibition At SECC HCMC to plan your visit in more detail.

Theme, Scale And Visitor Profile

2026 marks a special milestone as ITE HCMC 2026 celebrates its 20th edition, held under the theme "Vibrant Connections, Global Destinations." The message reflects the ambition to build a borderless tourism ecosystem, one where digital technology, artificial intelligence and heritage values come together to create meaningful connections between regulators, businesses and international partners.

In terms of scale, organizers expect the fair to bring together around 520 exhibitors across roughly 9,000 square meters of exhibition space, making it the largest edition to date. The visitor and exhibitor base is diverse, including international tourism promotion agencies, airlines, hotel groups, tour operators, travel technology companies, MICE organizations, and local destinations showcasing their signature tourism products.

The expo isn't limited to B2B business either. It also welcomes members of the public looking to explore tour packages, travel services and direct promotions from tour operators, making it suitable for both individual travelers and families planning an upcoming trip.

B2B Sessions, Exhibition Booths And Public Programs

ITE HCMC 2026 is held in a hybrid format that combines an on-site exhibition with online elements, including 2D virtual booths, a 3D virtual show, and an online B2B appointment system connecting international buyers with participating businesses, helping strengthen connections even with partners who can't attend in person.

As part of the expo, August 26 features a speed-networking session between international sellers and buyers, giving businesses the chance to meet multiple potential partners in a short window of time. On August 27 and 28, the fair is open to trade visitors from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, followed by combined access for both trade and public visitors from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. August 29 is dedicated to the general public, the ideal day to explore exhibition booths, cultural performances and on-site travel deals.

How To Register And Prepare For The Expo

ITE HCMC 2026 offers three main registration tracks, depending on why you're attending.

Visitor Registration. This is free and done entirely online through the organizer's official portal at vi.itehcmc.travel, under the Visitor Registration section. After filling in your name, company and the required fields, you'll receive a confirmation email with a QR code. Show this code at the express check-in counter reserved for pre-registered visitors, which cuts down significantly on queue time during peak hours.

Hosted Buyer Program. This track is for tour operators and travel agencies who want to join pre-scheduled B2B appointments matched with relevant partners. It comes with a 150 USD administration fee plus a 350 USD performance bond, which is refunded once the buyer completes the required itinerary. Some eligible buyers also receive flight and accommodation support.

Exhibitor Registration. This is for companies that want to showcase products or services at the fair, handled through the Exhibitor Registration section of the official portal, including booth size and location selection and payment confirmation ahead of opening day.

It's best to register as early as possible, since express check-in slots and Hosted Buyer places are typically limited and released in batches. Once registered, it's worth preparing a company profile or introduction deck if you're attending for business networking, business cards for the speed-networking sessions, and comfortable, presentable attire suited to moving between booths across a large exhibition space for hours at a time.

How To Get To SECC

SECC sits in the Nguyen Van Linh area of Tan My Ward, roughly 20 to 25 minutes by car or motorbike from the District 1 city center, depending on traffic. That makes it a convenient destination for business travelers based in the city center, Phu My Hung area and nearby districts.

For visitors driving themselves, SECC has ample on-site parking for attendees. For those relying on ride-hailing apps or taxis, the trip from Tan Son Nhat Airport to SECC typically takes about 30 to 40 minutes. If you're attending across multiple days and want to avoid a long commute each morning, it's worth prioritizing accommodation near the Nguyen Van Linh or Phu My Hung area to save time and stay fresh for back-to-back meetings.

A Suggested 3-Day Visiting Itinerary

On August 27, spend the morning walking the full exhibition floor plan and identifying priority partners to meet before your official B2B appointments begin during trade hours. The afternoon is a good time to attend the international tourism promotion seminars running in parallel at the conference area.

On August 28, continue your B2B schedule in the morning, then use the late afternoon to explore the public-facing exhibition space, where you can see firsthand how tour operators present their products to end consumers.

On August 29, the fair opens to the general public. If you're attending with family or want to browse tour packages and on-site travel deals, this is the best day to visit and wrap up your three-day journey at ITE HCMC 2026.

Choosing Accommodation Based On Your Business And Networking Needs

Given the expo runs across several days with a packed B2B schedule, choosing convenient accommodation has a direct impact on how productive your trip is. If you're searching for hotels near ITE HCMC or accommodation near SECC, prioritize a short commute to the exhibition center, a quiet space to recharge after networking sessions, and work-friendly amenities like reliable wifi and a dedicated workspace.

Explore CityHouse's Accommodation Network to find a serviced apartment that fits your needs, whether you're a solo business traveler or part of a group needing several adjoining rooms for the duration of the fair. Among the options, View Rooms At CityHouse Bellita is worth considering thanks to its location near the Nguyen Van Linh area, cutting down daily travel time to SECC.

Pre-Trip Checklist

Before heading to ITE HCMC 2026, run through a few key items to make sure your trip goes smoothly.

• Confirm your registration details and any B2B appointments you've scheduled.
• Prepare business cards, a company profile and any materials you'll need to share.
• Book accommodation near SECC early to avoid limited availability during peak expo dates.
• Check your commute route from your accommodation to SECC, and plan around peak traffic hours.
• Pack attire suitable for both full days on the exhibition floor and evening side events.

Get Ready For The 2026 Expo Season

ITE HCMC 2026 is more than a standard trade fair. It's a chance for Vietnam's tourism industry to reinforce its standing across the region while opening up genuine business connections for both companies and visitors. Planning ahead for your schedule, transport and accommodation will help you make the most of the three-day fair without losing time to logistics.

If you're looking for a quiet, convenient place to stay near the exhibition center, Bellita, A Convenient Stay Near SECC is worth checking out before you finalize your plans for this year's expo.