Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Expo Eyes Global Connectivity

Ho Chi Minh City is shifting from viewing tourism as a standalone industry to treating it as an integrated ecosystem built on regional advantages and cultural identity. According to the municipal Department of Tourism, the city welcomed more than 7.1 million international visitors from January to July, up 42.7% year-on-year. Domestic tourists reached 31.6 million, and tourism revenue surged 55.3% to nearly 237.5 trillion VND (9.01 billion USD), achieving 72% of this year's target. In light of these developments, Ho Chi Minh City is set to host the 20th International Tourism Expo (ITE HCMC 2026). The expo aims to strengthen regional connectivity and promote the sustainable growth of Vietnam's tourism industry. Notably, surveys conducted in the early months of this year revealed a growing trend towards integrated tourism packages that combine accommodation, cuisine, and entertainment services, enabling visitors to enjoy short itineraries blending urban tourism with coastal resort experiences. Under Vietnam's one-party system, the government prioritizes balancing economic growth with social stability, and the tourism sector serves as a crucial pillar for foreign currency earnings and job creation. Particularly, considering its geopolitical relationship with China, strengthening regional cooperation within Southeast Asia and attracting tourists from diverse markets can be seen as a strategy contributing to economic stabilization. The upcoming expo is expected to further enhance Vietnam's tourism competitiveness by deepening international partnerships and creating opportunities for new route and service development.