As tourism sectors worldwide gasp for revival, Vietnam, a jewel of Southeast Asia, stands out with an awe-inspiring story of resurgence. Bolstered by unprecedented policy reforms and agile market strategies, Vietnam’s tourism has not only recovered but has set new standards in sustainable development. Leading the charge is the upcoming 17th International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City (ITE HCMC 2023) – a milestone event aiming to elevate Vietnam’s already soaring tourism sector further.
A Surge in Global Attention
July 2023 marked a watershed moment for Vietnam as the country welcomed over 1.04 million international arrivals, a 6.5% uptick from June 2023. For the first time this year, the nation eclipsed the million-visitor mark in a month. Cumulatively, almost 6.6 million international visitors thronged the Vietnamese landscapes from January to July, achieving an astounding 83% of the year’s target within seven months.
Policy Innovations
The resurgence is a well-crafted outcome of policy interventions. The National Assembly’s assent to extending e-visa validity to 90 days, as part of Government Resolutions 82 and 127, has strategically positioned Vietnam as a compelling tourism destination against regional competitors.
An Expo to Remember
ITE HCMC 2023, scheduled from September 7 to 9 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), is expected to be a massive affair. The Expo forecasts attendance of over 20,000 stakeholders, including international buyers and exhibitors. The event, featuring over 400 exhibitors and brands, has doubled its scale since its predecessor in 2022. This showcase serves as a platform to cement Vietnam’s reputation and thriving metropolis, Ho Chi Minh City, in the global tourism market.
A considerable portion of the exhibitors are international tourism promotion agencies, reinforcing the event’s global scope. Representatives from as far as Chile and as close as Cambodia are set to participate. Vietnam’s internal diversity will also be spotlighted, with over 46 provinces, including Da Nang, Hai Phong, and others participating in the event.
Diversification and Digital Transformation
One of the Expo’s cornerstone events, a high-level tourism forum titled “Digital Transformation Promotes Tourism Development,” is set to provoke thought leadership in modernizing the sector. The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism and the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City chaired the meeting.
Mr. Le Truong Hien Hoa, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, emphasized the Expo’s potential to create innovative tourism products while improving destination management.
Partners in Progress
ITE HCMC 2023 is an initiative by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, and the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Promotion Center with CIS Vietnam JSC and Le Bros Company. Esteemed sponsors include Vietnam Airlines and Saigontourist Group.
The Global Stage for Vietnam’s Tourism Ambitions
The Expo is set to facilitate more than 6,000 B2B appointments and has attracted over 150 international buyers from over 31 countries, from the United States to the UAE. ITE HCMC 2023 promises to be an event and a landmark moment in Vietnam’s journey to becoming a global tourism powerhouse.
As countries navigate the uncharted waters of post-pandemic travel, Vietnam stands as a beacon, demonstrating what’s possible when innovation meets sustainability. ITE HCMC 2023 is more than an Expo; it’s Vietnam’s message: a masterclass in sustainable growth and global connectivity.
For more information, visit ITE HCMC 2023.
Written by: My Thanh Pham
