Vietnam Night Welcomes Nearly 1,000 Domestic and International Delegates

Ho Chi Minh City, Venuemagz.com – The Opening Artistic Programme – Vietnam Night, themed “The Beat of ITE HCMC – 20 Years Alongside the Nation”, take place at GEM Center (8 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Sai Gon Wardd, Ho Chi Minh City), marking the opening of the 20th edition of the International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City (ITE HCMC 2026).

As the signature artistic programme opening ITE HCMC 2026, Vietnam Night goes beyond a meticulously staged cultural performance. It offers a meaningful occasion for Ho Chi Minh City to reflect, together with domestic and international friends, on ITE HCMC’s 20-year journey as an international tourism promotion platform, while showcasing the cultural values, distinctive identity, people and renowned hospitality of Vietnam through the universal languages of art, fashion and cuisine.

Vietnam Night is honored to welcome Ms. Lam Thi Phuong Thanh, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism; Mr. Nguyen Van Duoc, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, as well as tourism ministers and senior officials from other countries; leaders of Vietnamese provinces and cities and international cities; Consuls General; representatives of diplomatic missions and economic, trade and cultural offices in Ho Chi Minh City; and leaders of tourism corporations, businesses and media partners.

Two Milestones, One Shared Beat

This year’s Vietnam Night carries special significance as Ho Chi Minh City has just celebrated the 50th anniversary of the city’s official adoption of the name “Ho Chi Minh City” on July 2, 1976, while ITE HCMC simultaneously marks two decades of development. Though representing two distinct journeys, the two milestones converge around a shared value: the continuous expansion of Ho Chi Minh City’s connections with Vietnam and the world.

Over the past five decades, Ho Chi Minh City has continued to grow, innovate and integrate internationally, while remaining deeply rooted in the values that define its identity: patriotism, dynamism, openness, solidarity and hospitality. Along this journey, ITE HCMC has likewise grown from a platform for initial encounters into a meeting point for destinations, tourism businesses, industry professionals and international friends.

Looking back on 20 years, the value of ITE HCMC extends far beyond the number of editions held or the scale of each expo. Its enduring impact lies in the relationships built through encounters, friendships strengthened over time, greater cultural understanding and new opportunities to bring Vietnam closer to the international community.

This is also the spirit of Vietnam Night: every encounter creates a connection; every connection fosters understanding; and from that understanding, new journeys begin.

Speaking at Vietnam Night, Mr. Nguyen Van Duoc, Member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee and Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, emphasized, “Over the past 50 years, Ho Chi Minh City has continued to grow, innovate and integrate with the world, while remaining deeply committed to the values that define its identity: patriotism, dynamism, openness, solidarity and hospitality. Over the past 20 years, ITE HCMC has grown alongside this journey. From its early meetings, ITE HCMC has evolved into a gathering place for tourism professionals, destinations and friends from many countries, where they share stories about our country, our people and journeys of discovery. Looking back on the past 20 years, we can see that the most valuable legacy lies not only in figures or the editions of the expo that have been held, but in the relationships forged through every encounter; the friendships nurtured; the cultural understanding broadened; and the opportunities created to bring Vietnam closer to friends around the world. This, too, is the deeper meaning of tourism.”

Vietnam Night – Where Journeys Begin with an Encounter

Building on the message that meaningful connections begin with encounters, Vietnam Night is conceived as more than an artistic programme. It is a storytelling journey through Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City – from their roots and cultural heritage, through the richness of cultural exchange, to connections that look towards the future.

A journey may begin with a destination, but what remains after each trip is more than landscapes, culture or cuisine. It is the experiences, emotions and human connections that make a journey truly memorable. Vietnam Night therefore seeks to offer international guests more than an opportunity to discover a country rich in cultural identity. It invites them to experience the sincerity, warmth and hospitality of the Vietnamese people – values that continue to be carried forward and shared through every journey.

“The Beat of ITE HCMC” – From Our Roots to Global Connections

Reflecting this spirit, Vietnam Night is structured in four chapters: “The Beat of Origins,” “The Beat of Homeland,” “The Beat of Cultural Exchange,” and “The Beat of Connection.” Together, they create a continuous artistic journey – from the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City and ITE HCMC’s 20-year journey, through Vietnam’s enduring cultural heritage, to the encounter between Vietnam and the world.

The Beat of Origins – 20 Years in Full Vibrancy

The programme opens with “The Beat of Origins: 20 Years of ITE HCMC in Full Vibrancy,” featuring a Tutting performance set to a mashup of “Xin Chào Thành Phố” and “Ho Chi Minh City – We Are Vibrant.” The performance portrays a young, dynamic and energetic Ho Chi Minh City, a city constantly moving forward.

Against the backdrop of two significant milestones – 50 years of Ho Chi Minh City bearing the name of President Ho Chi Minh and 20 years of ITE HCMC – the opening performance serves as a vibrant welcome from a city that is open, hospitable and ambitious in its international integration. It also begins the story of ITE HCMC – from its earliest encounters to an increasingly expansive network of connections.

The Beat of Homeland – The Cultural Currents of Vietnam

From the rhythm of contemporary city life, the programme returns to Vietnam’s cultural roots in “The Beat of Homeland,” taking audiences on a journey through the distinctive cultural expressions of the country’s three regions – North, Central and South.

The programme features Quan họ folk singing from Bắc Ninh, the Lục Cúng Hoa Đăng ceremonial dance, and Southern Vietnamese folk music combined with circus arts. Each art form tells a story of a people and a place, together creating a diverse and vibrant portrait of Vietnamese culture.

The Beat of Cultural Exchange – Vietnam Meets the World

Building on this cultural heritage, “The Beat of Cultural Exchange” brings Vietnam closer to the world through an áo dài showcase by Master Artisan Trung Dinh, joined by international beauty queens and models.

The áo dài is presented not simply as a traditional Vietnamese garment, but as a cultural symbol of Vietnam in an international setting – elegant, distinctive and open to diverse expressions of beauty.

Cultural exchange, in this sense, does not diminish identity. Instead, it creates a broader space for Vietnamese values to be shared, celebrated and placed in dialogue with cultures from around the world.

The Beat of Connection – One with the Rhythm of the World

The journey concludes with “The Beat of Connection,” featuring the medley “We Are Vietnam – We Are The World” as the culminating moment of the programme.

From the vitality of the city and the cultural values passed down through generations to encounters with friends from around the world, the final chapter portrays a confident and globally connected Vietnam, where culture serves as a bridge, encounters foster understanding, and tourism brings people closer together.

Together, the four chapters form a unified artistic narrative for “The Beat of ITE HCMC – 20 Years Alongside the Nation”: from roots, through cultural exchange, to connection. It tells the 20-year story of ITE HCMC through the encounters that have built connections, opened opportunities for cooperation and paved the way for new journeys.

“ITE HCMC Reaching New Heights” – A Symbol of a New Journey

One of the most distinctive moments of Vietnam Night is the ceremonial opening of the banquet, “ITE HCMC Reaching New Heights.” At the heart of the stage, the Tree of Happiness serves as a symbol of the vitality, spirit of innovation and aspiration for continued growth of the tourism sector.

Distinguished guests will take part in a symbolic watering ceremony for the Tree of Happiness, expressing a shared message of friendship, solidarity and cooperation among nations. As the young shoots are nurtured, the tree grows and blossoms before the audience, symbolizing a new chapter – one in which connections continue to be cultivated, new ideas nurtured and shared values created together.

If ITE HCMC’s 20-year journey represents the gradual creation and expansion of connections, “ITE HCMC Reaching New Heights” is a statement of its determination to move forward: to continue connecting, continue innovating and work together towards a sustainable and prosperous future for tourism.

From 20 Years of “The Beat” to New Connections

Vietnam Night opens the series of activities at ITE HCMC 2026, bringing together tourism authorities, destination marketing organizations, localities, associations, tourism businesses, international buyers and domestic and international partners.

Over the past 20 years, ITE HCMC has evolved into a meeting point for destinations, businesses and tourism professionals, creating opportunities for cooperation, market connections and new journeys of discovery.

As ITE HCMC reaches its 20-year milestone, the 2026 edition looks towards a new chapter of development, further strengthening its role as an international tourism connectivity platform that facilitates cooperation among destinations, businesses and markets, while bringing Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City closer to international audiences.

Vietnam Night therefore serves as a bridge between ITE HCMC’s 20-year journey and the road ahead – carrying forward the values that have been cultivated while opening new connections and embracing a future of cooperation, friendship and sustainable development.

Twenty years have shown that encounters create connections; connections open opportunities; and the opportunities created today will shape new journeys for tomorrow.

The Organizing Committee warmly welcomes tourism promotion agencies, localities, associations, businesses and partners from Vietnam and around the world to join ITE HCMC 2026, connect with markets, expand cooperation and help create new value for Vietnamese tourism.

Acknowledging The Support of Sponsors and Partners

Through proactive engagement, outreach and efforts to mobilize support from the business community, the Organizing Committee of the 20th Ho Chi Minh City International Travel Expo (ITE HCMC 2026) has received valuable support, sponsorship and contributions from numerous organizations and businesses.

This support not only contributes to enhancing the quality and professionalism of the Expo, but also reflects a shared commitment to advancing tourism in Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam in a professional, modern and internationally integrated direction.

The Organizing Committee sincerely acknowledges and appreciates the invaluable support of the following sponsors:

💎 DIAMOND SPONSORS:

Vingroup Joint Stock Company (Vingroup JSC);

Airports Corporation of Vietnam – JSC (ACV);

Saigontourist Group;

Vietnam Airlines JSC;

GEM Center;

Ho Tram Project Company Limited – The Grand Ho Tram;

🥇 GOLD SPONSORS:

Hotel Grand Saigon;

Rex Hotel Saigon;

Saigon Exhibition and Convention Joint Venture Co.,Ltd.;

 Emirates;

 Hotel Majestic Saigon;

 Turkish Airlines;

🥈 SILVER SPONSORS:

 Green and Smart Mobility Joint Stock Company (GSM);

 EVA Air;

 T-Ritz Saigon Hotel & Apartment;

 BM Manufacturing – Trading – Services Company Limited – BM Wine;

 Sofitel Saigon Plaza;

 Wink Hotels – Unscripted by Hyatt;

 Loa Loa Culture & Cuisine Joint Stock Company;

 Saigon Indochine Cruise Joint Stock Company;

 Foody Corporation – ShopeeFood;

🥉 BRONZE SPONSORS:

 Vietjet Aviation Joint Stock Company – Vietjet Air;

 Ho Chi Minh City Arts Center;

 Mai House Saigon Hotel;

 Royal Hotel Saigon;

 Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon;

 Caravelle Saigon Hotel;

 New World Saigon Hotel;

 Hotel Nikko Saigon;

 BT Tour Event Organization and Community Tourist Company Limited;

 Dau An Show Co., Ltd;

 Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel;

 PR Newswire Asia Limited;

 Lao Phu Food Trading Services Joint Stock Company;

 Sun Group;

🤝 PARTNERS:

 Liberty Central Saigon Centre Hotel;

 Pho Museum;

 Ban Me Gold Company Limited;

 Hotel Continental Saigon;

 La’artisan Joint Stock Company;

 Qingdao Airlines;

 Melia Ho Tram;

 Equatorial Ho Chi Minh City;

 Oscar Saigon Hotel;

 Saigon Prince Hotel;

 Ocany Viet Nam Venture Co.,Ltd;

 Windsor Plaza Hotel;

 Harmony Crochet Household Business;

 MobiFone Ho Chi Minh City;

 East West Brewing Company. 

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