Ho Chi Minh City Int’l Travel Expo to take place in September
The 15th edition of the Ho Chi Minh City International Travel Expo, the largest of its kind in the Mekong sub-region, will take place at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre in Vietnam’s largest city from September 5-7.
Foreign tourists visit Ho Chi Minh City (Source: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – The 15th edition of the Ho Chi Minh CityInternational Travel Expo, the largest of its kind in the Mekong sub-region,will take place at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre in Vietnam’slargest city from September 5-7.
Speaking at a pressconference in Hanoi on March 28, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City’s TourismPromotion Centre Le Truong Hien Hoa said that the organising board set a targetof attracting over 350 exhibitors, a year-on-year rise of 40 percent.
The expo is expectedto draw 250 foreign buyers from outbound travel agents in over 40 nations andterritories, especially the four key regions of Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia,North America and Europe, to create a breakthrough in tourism promotion during2019-2020.
It is also hoped toattract around 35,000 visitors, up 25 percent year-on-year.
The expo will includetrading activities at booths to introduce destinations and tourism products ofVietnam and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region, and talks betweensellers and foreign buyers and visitors.
A seminar on cruisetourism, a tourism start-up forum and a photo exhibition will be held withinthe framework of the event.
The expo was firstorganised in 2005 with a goal of promoting tourism products and services in theMekong sub-region and Asia. It has been supported by Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia;the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism of Laos; the Ministry ofHotels & Tourism of Myanmar; and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports ofThailand.-VNA
Ho Chi Minh City’s tourism authorities will focus on marketing and promotion campaigns to attract more foreign tourists this year, according to the municipal Department of Tourism.
Vietnam is moving towards a green tourism development, which is associated with environmental protection and promotion of traditional cultural values, according to Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Le Quang Tung.
This year, the Mekong Delta region will focus on enhancing tourism promotion and connectivity in the north, central and Central Highlands regions, as well as foreign markets in Southeast and East Asia.
Bai Dinh Pagoda is the only in the list to be granted the green-tick status, indicating the site's remarkable credibility among international visitors.
Citizens from 12 countries will be granted visa-free entry for stays of up to 45 days in Vietnam for tourism purposes, regardless of their passport types.
A recent report, City Pulse 2025, by Gensler Research Institute, ranked HCM City among the world’s top cities for resident retention, placing it second globally. This underscores the city's reputation as a liveable, dynamic urban centre, an image that supports efforts to attract investors, experts, and MICE travellers.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh has instructed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) to coordinate with other ministries, agencies and localities to effectively implement policies and directives from the Party, Government, and Prime Minister on tourism development.
Da Nang's appeal stems from its numerous outstanding tourist attractions, particularly My Khe Beach, Sun World Ba Na Hills resort, and the ancient town of Hoi An. Additionally, Da Nang tourism is renowned for its affordability, especially attractive to young travellers and couples, according to Chosun Ilbo.
With new direct flights from major Indian cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru, Vietnam is becoming an increasingly compelling destination for Indian tourists seeking a quick, emotionally rich four-day escape that blends luxury, culture, and natural wonder.
By source market, China continued to lead with 3.1 million visitors, equivalent to 25.5% of all foreign arrivals. The Republic of Korea followed with 2.5 million, or 20.7%. Other major markets included Taiwan (China) with 737,000, the US with 522,000, and Japan with 380,000.
Khanh Hoa has welcomed 16 international cruises so far this year, with more than 19,000 tourists disembarking to explore the province’s scenic landscapes and renowned cultural, religious, and artistic landmarks, as well as to enjoy local cuisine and sightseeing tours.
According to local plans, fireworks shows will be held at multiple locations, with Ha Long Bay as the focal point. More than mere entertainment, these displays are part of a strategic cultural tourism product aimed at strengthening the region’s brand.
Chatbot and virtual assistants support itinerary consultation and tour bookings, and provide around-the-clock response across multiple platforms while AI advertising applications have been used to optimise budgets and target the right customers. AI has been also employed to analyse customer data, enabling the delivery of personalised tour recommendations.
Many Vietnamese regions possess favourable conditions, including natural landscapes, climate, and rich cultural identities, to host sport events that integrate with cultural and tourism experiences.
Dubbed the “land of ancient towers”, Khanh Hoa boasts a rich Cham legacy through architectural masterpieces like the Po Nagar, Hoa Lai, Po Klong Garai, and Po Rome towers.
Vietnam’s e-visa system is now seen as one of the most efficient, convenient, and transparent in the region. Fully online registration, no paperwork or interviews, and fast and flexible processing time have improved foreigners’ entry experience, creating a competitive advantage over countries clinging to complicated and costly visa procedures.
Sunset Town unfolded like a living fairytale. Every street and hidden corner recalls iconic European landmarks – from Venice’s San Marco Bell Tower and Paris’s Arc de Triomphe to Almafi-style squares and cobblestone paths reminiscent of southern Italy.
Its natural advantages have made Mui Ne a magnet for enthusiasts of kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). These activities not only diversify the local tourism offerings but also contribute to the area’s long-term development strategy focused on sustainability.
In July alone, the city welcomed 695,930 international arrivals, surging 75.3% year-on-year. For the seven-month period, international visitors totalled 4.5 million, up 48% year-on-year.
Welcoming the crew on the morning of July 30, Dang Dong Ha, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasised that the film offers a valuable opportunity to promote Quang Tri’s tourism potential, particularly to Indian visitors, but also to a broader global audience.
Foreign tourists visit Ho Chi Minh City (Source: VNA) 
