International Travel Expo HCM City could become Asia’s most influential

Organisers introduce the International Travel Expo HCM City (ITE HCMC) to take place in HCM City from September 5 to 7 at a press conference on August 15. — Photo courtesy of the HCM City Department of Tourism

HCM CITY — Global industry players will take part in the International Travel Expo HCM City (ITE HCMC) to take place in HCM City from September 5 to 7.

This year’s expo will see for the first time the participation of prominent international travel businesses such as Flight Centre Travel Group, a Fortune 500 company with a presence in more than 90 countries, and Intrepid Travel, recognised as one of TIME magazine’s 100 most influential companies in 2023.

The presence of industry heavyweights is set to boost the expo’s global prestige, Lê Trương Hiền Hòa, deputy director of the HCM City Department of Tourism, told a press conference held in HCM City on Thursday.

“ITE HCMC 2024 is set to become one of Asia’s most influential travel expos.

“The event aims to elevate its regional stature, fostering greater collaboration with key domestic and international partners.”

More than 450 exhibitors have registered for the event and 200 international buyers from 33 countries and territories have confirmed participation in the expo’s International Hosted Buyer Programme.

ITE HCMC is supported by more than 40 media agencies from 10 countries and territories.

CNN will cover it for its Marketplace Asia programme, the first time it will dedicate extensive resources to a Vietnamese tourism event.

The three-day expo continues to attract a diverse group of international buyers, including industry leaders, tour operators, travel and tourism professionals, destination management companies, travel technology firms, and airlines.

The expo will facilitate 10,000 B2B meetings tailored to participants’ business needs, ensuring optimal matchmaking and maximising outcomes.

A number of conferences and forums will be held to offer practical solutions and propose effective policies and strategies for promoting sustainable tourism.

The topics of discussion will include “Net Zero Travel & Tourism – Creating future”, “Empowering local communities through sustainable tourism”, “Orienting sustainable tourism development through ESG”, “The power of communication in fostering sustainable development”, and “Promoting responsible tourism associated with wildlife protection and no ivory trade.” 

Furthermore, to create a strong link between shopping and tourism, and to position HCM City as a premier luxury shopping destination, its Department of Industry and Trade will host the “Shopping Season 2024 City Sale” programme in conjunction with the expo.

The programme will run from August 30 to September 8 at Union Square, Saigon Centre and SC VivoCity, offering a diverse range of products with discounts of up to 80 per cent.

The expo, to be held at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre, will be organised by the Việt Nam National Authority of Tourism, HCM City Department of Tourism, CIS Vietnam, and Le Bros. — VNS