MICE tourism is considered one of the city’s signature tourism products, playing a pivotal role in driving Ho Chi Minh City’s tourism development. It continues to assert itself as a strategic spearhead, bringing enormous potential for building a sustainable tourism future for the city.

Affirming an International MICE Brand

The Ho Chi Minh City tourism brand is increasingly recognized on the international stage. In 2024, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism was once again honored as Asia’s Leading City Tourist Board. The city itself earned titles including Asia’s Leading Festival & Event Destination and Asia’s Leading Business Travel Destination.

Prestigious CN Traveler also listed Ho Chi Minh City among the Top 25 destinations to visit in 2025 across all seven continents. More notably, Ho Chi Minh City has been named Asia’s Leading MICE Destination at the World MICE Awards for five consecutive years, reaffirming its position and capability on the global MICE tourism map.

With a unique combination of modern infrastructure, rich historical and cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, Ho Chi Minh City truly stands as one of Southeast Asia’s premier MICE destinations.

Developing MICE Tourism as a Signature Product of Ho Chi Minh City

MICE tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) is regarded as a distinctive and strategic product for Ho Chi Minh City for several key reasons:

1. A Leading Economic, Financial, and Commercial Hub in Vietnam

• Driving trade and investment: As Vietnam’s economic powerhouse, the city is home to multinational corporations, major enterprises, and core industries. This creates high demand for meetings, conferences, exhibitions, and trade promotion events, with MICE tourism both serving and boosting economic activities.

• An ideal venue for trade fairs and exhibitions: Ho Chi Minh City regularly hosts large-scale international exhibitions across industries such as technology, textiles, agriculture, construction, and healthcare. These events attract a significant number of businesses and professionals, generating a steady, high-value MICE market.

2. Advanced Infrastructure and Facilities

• Modern convention and exhibition centers: The city boasts world-class facilities such as the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), capable of hosting international-scale events.

• Premium hotel system: A wide range of 4–5 star international hotels, including The Reverie Saigon, Park Hyatt Saigon, and InterContinental Saigon, provide diverse conference spaces and professional services tailored to MICE needs.

• Convenient connectivity: Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), Vietnam’s largest aviation gateway, offers extensive international and domestic connections. Intra-city transport is also improving with the launch of the Metro, water bus services, and diverse options such as taxis, ride-hailing, and chartered cars.

3. High-Quality Human Resources and Professional Services

• Professional teams: The city is home to experienced Destination Management Companies (DMCs), Professional Congress Organizers (PCOs), and service providers specialized in international events.

• Language and skills: Tourism professionals are increasingly well-trained, with strong English and multilingual capabilities, ensuring world-class service standards.

4. A Unique Blend of Business and Cultural Experience

• Diverse cultural and leisure offerings: Beyond business, visitors can enjoy vibrant cultural, culinary, and entertainment experiences — from historic French colonial architecture to famous street food and bustling nightlife.

• Unique team-building and incentive programs: Nearby destinations such as Long Hai, Vung Tau, Con Dao, as well as high-tech farms and industrial zones in Binh Duong and the Mekong Delta, offer excellent options for team-building and incentive travel programs.

5. Supportive Policies and Development Orientation

• The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism and city authorities have identified MICE as a strategic tourism product, providing strong support and incentives for its development.

6. Cost-Effectiveness

• Compared to other major MICE hubs in Asia and globally, Ho Chi Minh City offers highly cost-effective solutions without compromising quality or experience, allowing organizers to maximize budgets while delivering exceptional events.

Overall, MICE is not just a component of Ho Chi Minh City’s tourism sector but a flagship product that reflects the city’s potential, development strategy, and competitiveness on the global stage. It serves as a vital bridge between economic growth and tourism, delivering sustainable and high-value benefits.

Experience Ho Chi Minh City’s MICE Potential at ITE HCMC 2025

For international MICE buyers seeking a dynamic and rewarding destination for their next event, ITE HCMC 2025 — taking place from September 4–6, 2025 at SECC in Ho Chi Minh City — is the perfect opportunity.

ITE HCMC 2025 will showcase unique and attractive proposals for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions, enhanced by the city’s vibrancy, modern facilities, rich culture, and warm hospitality. More than just a venue, it offers an experience waiting to be discovered — both in tourism and in MICE.